Jacob Markstrom Makes Save of the Year Candidate in First Game

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Liam McCormick
October 4, 2024 (12:06)

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In the NHL's first game of the regular season, Jacob Markstrom may have already made the Save of the Year.

Rasmus Dahlin fired a puck on net through a group of players, and it ricocheted off the end boards and out to the slot. The puck bounced perfectly to Nicolas Aube-Kubel with a wide open net and he got a perfect shot off - but Markstrom wasn't out of the play. The New Jersey goaltender reached back with his stick to stop the puck right on the goal line.

It's an absolutely unreal desperation save from Markstrom, and it certainly will leave a good impression on his new team in his first game. Immediately after the save, the broadcasters thought it could be a save of the year candidate. The Devils have been in need of a proven starting goaltender for some time now, and if Markstrom can effectively fill that role, New Jersey could be a contender in the Eastern Conference.

Markstrom is a solid bet to be that guy. The Devils acquired him in trade from the Calgary Flames for defenceman Kevin Bahl and a first round draft pick. The relationship between Markstrom and the Flames grew tense as their rebuild continued, and the veteran goalie did want to be moved out of Calgary. The 34 year old has started 483 career NHL games with great results at times, and a quality .909 save percentage on his career. Markstrom is under contract for the next two seasons at $4.125M.

At the end of the first period in the first regular season game, the Devils have the lead 2-0. If they keep up this play and Markstrom stays hot, they'll be a team to watch all year.