New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstom will get the start in goal in his return to Calgary.
New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstom will get the start in goal in his return to Calgary.
There are plenty of storylines ahead of the New Jersey Devils game against the Calgary Flames on Friday night at Scotiabank Saddledome. The clubs have been heavily intertwined with multiple trades over the past few seasons, with plenty of familiar faces on both sides.
The most obvious is Jacob Markstrom starting in the net in his return to Calgary. The veteran goaltender spent four seasons with the Flames before being acquired by the Devils on June 19, 2024, for Kevin Bahl and a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
"(Markstrom) was an anchor for us," Blake Coleman told reporters Friday morning. "He was a big part of the reason why we won the Pacific (Division) my first year and had a run in the playoffs. He was amazing in that Dallas (Stars) series."
Markstrom is no stranger to facing his former club, as he faced and shut out the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night.
Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon spoke candidly about what it is like for a player to face his former team.
"There is no sugar coating; it is tough to play against a former team," Dillon said. "I am sure he's got a lot of great relationships with guys on that side (and) lots of good memories. [...] I think that it is kind of on us as a group to play well in front of him and do the best we can. He meant a lot to this organization. He was a quality goaltender for a long time here.
"I think for him, there is going to be a little bit of nerves but also lots of excitement. There is always excitement, too, when you come back," Dillon continued. "Of course, you want to get the win first and foremost. (Markstrom) has just been awesome for us in the locker room and on the ice. So, hopefully, (we will) play well for him."
Markstrom has a record of 5-3-1 this season with a .903 save percentage. He has won his last two starts against the Canucks and Anaheim Ducks. He has a record of 5-9-0 in 14 games with a goals-against average of 3.44 and a save percentage of .893 versus the Flames in his career.
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