During the 2022–23 season, it seemed like Markstrom was allergic to the puck—he just couldn’t make a save. This year is a whole other story. The elite goaltender that fans are used to has finally come back and he is playing his best hockey in recent memory.
Markstrom fractured his finger on December 5 during practice; however, since he came back from that injury, Markstrom has been lights out. Some are seeing his performance as a potential hope for a playoff spot. Others are looking at it as another potential trade candidate if he waives his no-move clause. Either way, he is making a strong case for himself to be a Vezina Trophy finalist come the end of the season.
Markstrom’s improvement throughout the season
Markstrom had a rough start to the season (as did the whole Flames team), going 1–5–1 putting up a .901 save % and a 2.88 GAA. However, for the whole season, Markstrom has a .912 save % and a 2.59 GAA. The improvement in his numbers can be attributed to his December and January, where he has put up a .921 save % and a .941 save % so far respectively.
From December 1 to now, Markstrom has a .931 save %, which, out of all goalies who have played at least 10 games in the span, is third highest in the NHL, only below Joey Daccord and Connor Hellebuyck.
Markstrom also ranks in the top 5 in GAA with a 2.12. He trails Stuart Skinner, Samuel Ersson, Joey Daccord, and Connor Hellebuyck.
Over the last 10 years, the average save percentage and average GAA for Vezina Trophy winners has been a 0.929 SV% and a 2.234 GAA. Markstrom’s statistics from December to now put him right in the range of a Vezina-calibre goalie. Based on these statistics alone, Markstrom should already be in the conversation for the Vezina. However, let’s take a look at the advanced stats to see the full picture.
Markstrom’s advanced stats
Advanced statistics can help paint a better and fuller picture of what is happening. All stats have been obtained by NaturalStatTrick.
Firstly, let’s take a look at high-danger save percentage (HDSV%).
Of all goalies who have played 20 games or more, Jacob Markstrom leads the league in HDSV% with a 0.866. Connor Ingram is just behind him with a 0.865 HDSV%. Markstrom is not only making saves at a high percentage, but he is doing it from the most dangerous area on the ice. It is also important to keep in mind that these numbers include Markstrom’s sub-par October and November.
Additionally, Markstrom is facing a large number of high-danger shots compared to his competition. He has faced 238 high danger shots which is the tenth highest in the league. The only other goalie who has a top 5 HDSV% and has faced more high-danger shots than Markstrom is Thatcher Demko, who has faced 264 high-danger shots while playing six more games.
What if we take a look at the same statistic from the month Markstrom came back from his injury? Well from December 1 onwards, his HDSV% is 0.885, which is second in the league behind Lukas Dostal who has a 0.890 HDSV%. This is incredible production from Markstrom.
What does this tell us? Not only is Jacob Markstrom making a high percentage of high-danger saves, but he is also doing so while facing a high quantity of high-danger shots. He has to step up time and time again to make quality saves, and he has been.
Next, let’s dive into his Goals Saved Above Average (GSAA).
When we take a look at GSAA, since December 1, 2023, Markstrom also ranks in the top 5 of all goalies who have played 10 games or more. Markstrom has a GSAA of 9 which places him fourth among all goalies.
Jacob Markstrom is an elite goaltender and he is proving it to everyone after his disappointing season last year. Some fans may be relieved as it gives the team a better chance to make the playoffs. Other fans may be relieved as he could also fetch the Flames a haul at the trade deadline if he so chooses to be traded. Either way, this performance is good for the Flames and their fanbase.
Markstrom is playing elite hockey
One thing is for certain. The Jacob Markstrom we are seeing this season is not the same Markstrom from last year. We are seeing elite play from the Flames starting goaltender, especially from December to now. The traditional statistics and advanced statistics show that Markstrom is playing like a Vezina-level goaltender. However, with how the Flames are playing this year, the only stat which he won’t be able to be one of the top goalies is wins.
If you’re interested in putting your money where your mouth is, you can bet on NHL futures, including the winner of the Vezina Trophy, at various online betting sites. Do your homework though, and ensure you check out minimum deposit casinos evaluated or other rating sites to get all the facts.
There is no doubt that Connor Hellebuyck and Thatcher Demko are the two front runners for the Vezina right now, however, Jacob Markstrom should be getting some attention as well. Especially if he continues this level of play for the rest of the year, we might (and should) see his name as a finalist.
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