New Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom dominates season-opening win

The Devils couldn't buy a save last season.

It's still early, but new goaltender Jacob Markstrom appears to be able to solve the problem this season. In their season-opening 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabers in the Czech Republic, Markstrom stopped 30 of 31 shots in his first game with the Devils, including a contender for save of the year when he stopped a shot with his stick during a fall To the right.

“I couldn’t say how it didn’t happen,” coach Sheldon Keefe said of Markstrom’s highlight-reel save. “Usually it's a sign that the goalkeeper has done something incredible. He was good. It goes without saying how important the goalkeeper is. That’s why (general manager Tom Fitzgerald) made this summer a priority.”

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The Devils were in dire need of a goalie early this season. They failed last season, in large part because they finished 27th in the league. So they traded a 2025 first-round pick and Kevin Bahl to the Calgary Flames for Markstrom, who was having a solid season, in hopes he could return to form with a young, hungry team.

The 2021-22 Vezina Trophy runner-up looked like the elite goaltender of not long ago on Friday. His only goal allowed came midway through the third period on a shot off a rebound straight to Buffalo's Owen Power. According to Moneypuck, Markstrom saved 2.49 goals above expected in his first start and created numerous dangerous chances.

“That gives us momentum,” said captain Nico Hischier. “He played really well. It's so nice to see him so confident there. Nice to have him.”

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–The Devils hire Sheldon Keefe as their new head coach

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Gabriel Trevino can be reached at [email protected] or on X @GabeCTrevino.