You know what you rarely see in the NHL these days?
A goalie just snapping when it's clear that he's not going to win.
It used to be common to see someone like Ron Hextall or Billy Smith just absolutely chop down players in front of him when he got in a surly mood. Nowadays though, goalies look like they don't have a care in the world.
Well... most goalies, but not New Jersey Devils netminder Vitek Vanecek.
Check out Vanecek taking a run at Flames forwards Martin Pospisil and Nazem Kadri late in the 3rd of tonight's game:
Old time hockey, baby!
Read below for our earlier report on Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
Is goaltender Jacob Markstrom the next domino to fall in GM Craig Conroy's rebuild of the Calgary Flames?
Conroy has already dealt veterans Tyler Toffoli, Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm this season and there are rumors that Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin are both on the trade block, but all signs point to Markstrom being the next one out the door. Today Markstrom was asked about his status with the team and put things bluntly for reporters.
“It’s up to Calgary, what they want to do. That’s what it comes down to," he told Sportsnet's Eric Francis earlier today. "I don’t control it."
In the past Markstrom has steadfastly denied any rumor reports and has maintained that he intends on playing out the rest of his career with Calgary. Now though, he's not so assured.
“Whatever direction they want to go, and what they want to do, I’m not going to force anything," he said today.
At the same time though, Markstrom is not seeking a trade. Rather, he's just open to the possibility if Conroy deems it worthwhile.
“I’m not going to go up and meet and ask for a trade either. I’m here to play, I’m enjoying every day and we’ve got a great group.”
When asked if the Flames have asked him to waive his no trade clause, he made it clear that he hasn't been involved in any trade movement just yet.
"No. We’ll see," he said. “When they send an email that I’ve got to sign something to remove my no-move clause, then it’s a different conversation we’ve gotta have."
When asked if it bothers him to read his name in trade rumors so often, Markstrom had a perfect response.
“I don’t read,” he smiled.
“I know they’ve got to call me before (a trade), and they haven’t called me, so I just keep playing.”
Honestly, you've got to just love Markstrom's approach to this entire scenario. It' obvious that the guy would rather the chatter all die down so that he can just do what he does and be a good teammate, but he's rolling with the punches.
“Life is good. I’m just playing.”
Incredible attitude to have under trying circumstances.
