Devils 4, Kings 1: Markstrom steals the show

Jacob Markstrom stole the Devils two points in his first game since signing an extension.

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By JP Gambatese (@JP_Gambatese)

The New Jersey Devils snapped their two-game losing streak Saturday night, picking up a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

Let’s get into some takeaways from the win:

Markstrom bounces back in a big way

In his first game since signing a two-year, $6 million AAV contract, Devils’ netminder Jacob Markstrom had quite a night in net.

As per NaturalStatTrick, Los Angeles threw 3.91 xG on target in all situations. Markstrom, of course, only allowed one goal – a perfectly-placed, one-timed shot off the stick of Andrei Kuzmenko in the inner slot that came off a quickly-developed play. All told, Markstrom saved 12 of 13 high-danger shots and 43 of 44 total.

It was a necessary bounce-back performance from the veteran goaltender, who had gotten off to an abysmal start to the season.

This was his first performance with a positive goals saved above expected (GSAx) of the young season, and, as Devils fans know, he tends to perform streakily.

After losing two straight games on the backs of poor defensive play and poorer goaltending, it would be nice to turn at least one of those around in short order. Markstrom’s performance is certainly a step in that direction.

Noesen flourishes on the top line; Hischier falters