UPDATE: The New Jersey Devils face a critical situation as goaltender Jacob Markstrom struggles to perform, raising urgent questions about his future with the team. Last night against Tampa Bay, Markstrom allowed five goals, continuing a troubling trend that has seen him concede three goals in over 77% of his games this season.
In a shocking turn of events, Markstrom’s performance has deteriorated significantly since signing a two-year contract worth $6 million AAV on October 31, 2022. His current statistics reveal a dismal .864 save percentage and a 3.83 goals-against average, placing him among the bottom tier of NHL goalies.
Markstrom’s struggles were front and center last night as Jake Guentzel of Tampa Bay scored his seventh career hat trick, further highlighting Markstrom’s inability to protect the net. He has only looked sharp for approximately three of 25 periods played this season, raising alarms among fans and analysts alike.
With advanced metrics showing a disheartening -4.8 saves above expected, Markstrom’s performance has left general manager Tom Fitzgerald and the Devils searching for answers. The team has been without a reliable goaltender for years, and Markstrom’s current form does little to alleviate these concerns.
“When you’re paid like an elite goaltender, you need to perform like one,”
said an insider close to the team. The pressure is mounting for Markstrom to turn his season around, especially with the defense also struggling with injuries and inconsistencies.
While there is hope for improvement—Markstrom recorded an .896 save percentage and a 2.91 GAA in his first nine games last season—fans are anxious for immediate results. The Devils cannot afford to waste the potential of their young core while relying on underperforming goaltending.
As the team prepares for their next match, all eyes will be on Markstrom to see if he can reclaim his form and silence the mounting criticism. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated; the Devils’ season hangs in the balance.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story. Follow our updates for the latest insights and analysis on Jacob Markstrom and the New Jersey Devils.