As the New York Rangers climb the Eastern Conference standings, their aspirations may exceed merely securing a wild-card position, especially following the injury of New Jersey Devils’ top goalie, Jacob Markstrom, on Wednesday night.
Markstrom, a key player in the Devils’ ascent within the Metropolitan Division this season, sustained an injury during a collision with Boston Bruins forward Justin Brazeau at 3:09 in the second period of the Devils’ 5-1 win at Prudential Center. He had to leave the game after lying on the ice in visible pain.
“We’ll need to wait to determine the full extent of [Markstrom’s] injury,” said Devils coach Sheldon Keefe after the game. “I spoke with him, and he is in good spirits and feeling much better, which is encouraging. However, he will be out for a while.”
On a roster featuring stars like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Dougie Hamilton, and Nico Hischier, Markstrom is arguably the most crucial player for the Devils. The 34-year-old was acquired in an offseason trade with the Calgary Flames and has brought stability to New Jersey’s goaltending.
Markstrom’s current record stands at 21-9-5, with a 2.20 goals-against average, a .912 save percentage, and three shutouts. He ranks fourth in the league for wins, is tied for fourth in shutouts, and has the fifth-best GAA. In contrast, the Devils’ goalies last season combined to give up the fifth-most goals in the NHL (281; 3.43 per game).
After a surprising absence from the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season—largely due to poor defensive play and goaltending—the Devils (27-17-6) currently sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 60 points. They are only one point behind the second-place Carolina Hurricanes and nine points behind the first-place Washington Capitals. The Devils also hold a seven-point cushion over the fourth-place Columbus Blue Jackets, who are currently the first wild card team in the Eastern Conference.
The Rangers, riding a nine-game point streak (6-0-3), are just two points shy of the second wild card. However, they may also have their eyes on the Devils now, as they trail by 10 points but have three games in hand. Markstrom’s injury could significantly alter the dynamics for New Jersey.
