New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom recorded 20 saves in his 500th NHL game on Thursday as his team dispatched the leaders of the Metropolitan division, the Carolina Hurricanes, by a final score of 4-2. While a majority of praise will be heaped onto 23 year-old Jack Hughes for his goal and three assists, it is the continued efforts of Markstrom that have the Devils as an undeniable force in the Eastern Conference.
“Playing 500 games is something you only dream about when you’re younger,” said Markstrom after the win. “I feel like I got a few more left in me. The guys made it special. They played a great game. The fans were amazing. Hats off to these guys. They made it special.”
Markstrom has been a welcome addition to the Devils who have long lacked a consistent goalkeeping presence since the departure of Hall of Famer and club legend Martin Brodeur. As one of the older players on the team, Markstrom has had to step into both a leadership and mentor role that at times has required him to go above and beyond. Thus far he has lived up to expectations and put the Devils in a position that many didn’t see them in during preseason.
The Swedish keeper joined rare company alongside Henrik Lundqvist and Tommy Salo as the only Swedish goalies to play in 500 games. That kind of addition is exactly what the Devils needed as their campaign in 2023-24 saw them miss the playoffs after expectations became higher two seasons prior. Markstrom’s presence returns the confidence in the Devils and their fans as they continue to perform well against the perceived elite of the Eastern Conference.
“You know its very personal. It means a lot,” said head coach Sheldon Keefe. “You want to play well and you want to finish it on a high note. To be able to get the win for him was great.”
The Devils sit even on points with Carolina but New Jersey have played three more games than their co-leaders. Many expected the team to have dropped off by now. Especially following a series of games that took Keefe’s men to Fort Lauderdale and Tampa. The team showed well and has a commitment to their system that no longer sees them as an easy team to topple.
Next is a trip to the nation’s captial to face Alexander Ovechkin who is still chasing history to be the league’s all-time goal-scoring player.