New Jersey Devils Players, Coach React to Jacob Markstrom’s First Game; Analysis (+)

The New Jersey Devils and fans alike got their first glimpse of newly acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom in game action on Sunday evening against the New York Islanders.

There was certainly an excitement in the Prudential Center air, brought on by just the presence of the Swedish netminder on the ice. When Markstrom led the Devils to the ice for warmups, there was a decent roar from Devils fans in the three-quarter filled arena. And when Markstrom was announced as the Devils’ starting goaltender over the PA system, he received quite the ovation.

The Devils and their fans haven’t had a goaltender of Jacob Markstrom‘s caliber tend their twine in a long time.

In the 4-2 loss to the Islanders on Sunday, Markstrom allowed two goals in the first 40 minutes before he was pulled during the second intermission to give Nico Daws some reps.

Aside from the two goals he allowed, the Swedish netminder stood tall, stopping 14 of 16 pucks he saw. He also certainly stopped a puck or two that was meant to cross the goal line.

Despite his positive performance, Markstrom claims he’s still absorbing his new teammates, alluding to the fact that he will be even better.