Your Call: Is Markstrom a legit #1 goalie?

The big Swede doesn't seem to miss Miller... is the best yet to come?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Your Call: Is Markstrom a legit #1 goalie?
Keystone Press

In his latest article for SB Nation’s Nucks Misconduct, Vancouver Canucks blogger Trevor Connors takes a look at the team’s goaltending tandem and asks the question, “is Jacob Markstrom a legit #1 goalie”?

In the early going, it’s hard to argue against Markstrom. The big Swede has played 14 games for the team and has posted a 2.36 GAA and .917 Sv%, both within the NHL’s top ten. Muddying things though is the strong play of backup Anders Nilsson. While he’s managed just four starts in 2017-18, his 1.89 GAA and .943 Sv% are jaw dropping.

If Nilsson earns more starts, and there’s no reason to think he won’t, can we seriously consider Markstrom a true #1 goalie? And if he’s not, can he ever reach his potential? The 27-year-old is not getting any younger and with blue chip prospect Thatcher Demko tearing up the AHL, it’s only a matter of time until he gets his shot.

What’s your call? Is Jacob Markstrom a legit #1 NHL goalie?