McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Oct. 29 – Igor Shesterkin vs. Jake Oettinger
Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sat. Oct. 29, 2022:Oettinger has been arguably the best goaltender in the NHL this season. And tonight, the Stars netminder has a chance to beat last year’s Vezina Trophy winner head-to-head in Texas.Both goalies play a similar style rooted in skating efficiency. Oettinger is the bigger of the two goalies – he’s four inches taller than Shesterkin – but it’s hard to notice it with how upright they play.
From there, play differs slightly. Oettinger, due to his sheer size, can play longer than Shesterkin. The Stars goalie can reach a surprising number of pucks with his legs. While Shesterkin doesn’t have the same range as Oettinger, I think he tracks the puck slightly better. Because Shesterkin is so mobile, he usually arrives early. That lets him read the play as well as anyone.Tonight’s game is a great opportunity for youth goalies to watch and learn.
He’s lost in overtime twice in a row. And his 2.57 goals against average is rather pedestrian. It’s time for a big performance.This is the type of game true competitors crave. A win against Shesterkin and a potent offensive team like the Rangers would be an ego boost.