With 13 minutes remaining of the New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jersey-devils-q-a-4-random-questions-with-stefan-noesen] game against the Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/] on Dec. 21, goaltender Jacob Markstrom [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/tnt-studio-panel-agree-jacob-markstrom-will-find-success-in-new-jersey-jake-allen-goaltending] made one final save on Philip Tomasino, who was positioned near the top of his crease. It was his third save in the period and 12th of the game. It would also be his final as Markstrom's team took over the play, helping the 34-year-old to his 22nd career shutout. "Keeping shots down is not ideal for a goalie," head coach Sheldon Keefe [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/devils-sheldon-keefe-proving-why-he-was-fitzgeralds-top-coaching-choice] said after his team's victory over Pittsburgh. "It doesn't get you a lot of work, those free and easy touches to get comfortable and confident in the game, starts to mess with your save percentage […] all of these things are challenging for a goaltender, but he is dialed in. We did make some mistakes here today, and he had to track the puck; he had to be good for us." With his victory, Markstrom tied former Devil and fellow Swedish goaltender Johan Hedberg for the third most among Swedish-born netminders. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExMDA3Njg1MDQ1MjY1OTY3/nhl--anaheim-ducks-at-new-jersey-devils-.jpg] Days later, he would claim sole possession of third place on that list. History repeated on Dec. 23, when New Jersey hosted their rival New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/] at Prudential Center. Through all three periods of play, Markstrom saw single-digit shots that were an exact replication of days prior. After playing another perfect game, the 6-foot-6 goaltender surpassed Hedberg for third place with 23 career shutouts behind Tommy Salo (37) and Henrik Lundqvist (64). "Shutouts are not easy to do, and that is a credit to our team and how they have been playing," Keefe said after this team's 5-0 win [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/game-day/new-jersey-devils-star-continues-to-shine-against-rival-new-york-rangers]over New York. "Yeah, (Markstrom), whenever tested, has had the answer. When you play a good team game, everyone benefits. It is a great way for us to go into the break." While some say it is challenging for a goaltender to face limited shots, Markstrom has no complaints. "I told them 12 is good," he said shyly. "That's right in my pocket. That fits me perfectly." Markstrom will need 14 more shutouts to tie Salo for the second-most career shutouts among Swedish-born goaltenders. New Jersey Has A Deep Offense Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/] for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jersey-devils-jesper-bratt-alexander-holtz-nico-hischier-andy-sward] EXCLUSIVE: Q&A With MSG Networks Host & Analyst Rachel Herzog [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/exclusive-q-a-with-msg-networks-host-analyst-rachel-herzog-new-jersey-devils] Hischier’s Manager Patrick Fischer: 'He’s Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily Satisfied [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/features/hischiers-manager-patrick-fischer-hes-driven-to-succeed-but-not-easily-satisfied]' [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/features/hischiers-manager-patrick-fischer-hes-driven-to-succeed-but-not-easily-satisfied]
