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Silver linings for the Calgary Flames after slow start to season

By Brett Montrose

Oct 11, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (28) celebrates his goal with left wing Andrew Mangiapane (88) during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (28) celebrates his goal with left wing Andrew Mangiapane (88) during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jacob Markstrom has been much better than he was last season

Remember that sick feeling we had in the pits of our stomach as soon as the puck would drop to start each and every game last year? The one that had you watching the game with one eye open because you know there was a chance that the opponent’s first shot would get by Markstrom? That sucked.

While it’s not entirely dissipated for me personally, it’s fading away and my confidence in the Flames’ starting netminder is gradually refortifying.

Markstrom holds a .905 save percentage through four starts, having turned away 105 of 116 shots faced. It’s not quite the .922 SV% he recorded two seasons ago, but it’s creeping closer to his career average and it’s better than the poor .892 SV% he managed last season behind a more functional team defence.

Most important, though, are not Markstrom’s numbers – it’s the fact that he’s given the Calgary Flames chances to win games and that he’s made big saves in crucial moments. Markstrom has ensured he’s the undisputed starting goaltender for his hockey team; now it’s time for his teammates and coaching staff to put together 60-minute efforts in front of him.

If Markstrom can continue to play well (or even get better) as the season goes on, he’ll be a vital ingredient in extending playoff chances right down to the wire.

Here’s Markstrom committing armed robbery on Blue Jackets rookie Adam Fantilli:

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