Jacob Markstrom may not have come out of Game 5 with a win, but he emerged with his reputation further enhanced
He played his heart out, gave his team every opportunity to succeed, and handled the postgame spotlight with humility and class.
For the Devils, the loss will sting for a long time. It was a game they had in their grasp, a lead they should have protected. But within the defeat lies a silver lining: they have a goalie they can trust, and a leader they can build around.
As they regroup and prepare for the next chapter, one thing is clear — Jacob Markstrom isn’t done. And neither are the New Jersey Devils.
There are no moral victories in professional sports, but there are valuable lessons. For Sheldon Keefe and the Devils, this playoff run was a step forward.
The loss hurt, but it showed that this group has the heart, talent, and leadership to compete at the highest level.
“The guys left it all out there. That’s what you want as a coach,” Keefe said. “We’ll learn from it. We’ll be better because of it.”
That sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the Devils’ season: a group that refused to back down, embraced its identity, and fought until the final horn. The road ahead will not be easy, but with Sheldon Keefe at the helm and a young, hungry core in place, New Jersey’s future is very much alive.
Also Read: Jacob Markstrom’s Goaltending Masterclass Sealed the Devils’ 3-2 Victory Over Seattle
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Jacob Markstrom Reflects After Gut-Wrenching Game 5 Loss
Following the New Jersey Devils’ stunning collapse in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes, Jacob Markstrom faced the media with a calm, composed demeanor.1
The veteran goaltender, who had been a critical mid-season acquisition for the Devils, gave an honest and reflective assessment of the game, the series, and his team’s season.
The Devils were in full control during the first period of Game 5. They raced to a 3-0 lead, energized by their home crowd and dominant puck possession. With the Hurricanes appearing disoriented and overwhelmed, New Jersey looked poised to force a Game 6.
But that sense of control evaporated in just six chaotic minutes. The Hurricanes came out of the first intermission with a vengeance, scoring three unanswered goals early in the second period to even the game 3-3. The Devils’ defensive structure crumbled under pressure, leaving Markstrom to fend off relentless chances from close range.
A Brief Resurgence Cut Short
Nico Hischier provided a momentary sigh of relief for Devils fans midway through the second period, sniping a wrist shot past Carolina’s goaltender to restore a 4-3 lead.
The Devils hoped this goal would reset the tone and bring some calm back to their game.
But the Hurricanes had other ideas. Sebastian Aho, always dangerous in high-pressure moments, tied the game again just minutes later.
His goal underscored the Devils’ inability to lock down the defensive zone, even when momentum was briefly in their favor.
Jacob Markstrom’s Heroics in the Third and Beyond
Despite the defensive lapses earlier in the game, Markstrom stood tall in the third period.2
He stopped all 15 shots he faced, including multiple high-danger scoring opportunities. With his composure and poise, he gave the Devils a chance to win, pushing the game into overtime.
The extra periods tested Markstrom even further. In the first overtime, he made a series of acrobatic saves, constantly bailing out his team as the Hurricanes piled on the pressure.
He continued to shine into the second overtime, turning away Carolina’s attacks and forcing the game to the brink.
Offensive Collapse in the Most Critical Moment
While Markstrom did everything he could in net, the Devils’ offense completely disappeared in the second overtime.
Carolina outshot New Jersey 14-3 in that frame, dominating puck possession and spending most of the period in the Devils’ zone. The disparity was glaring and ultimately decisive.
The dagger came on a Carolina power play after a tripping penalty. The Hurricanes capitalized quickly, scoring the game-winner and ending the Devils’ season in brutal fashion.
It was a game that had once looked winnable — even comfortable — but slipped through their fingers.
“Four Goals Should’ve Been Enough”
In his postgame comments, Markstrom was measured but clear. “Scoring four goals should’ve been enough to win,” he told reporters.
It wasn’t a complaint or a criticism, but rather a statement of fact. In most playoff games, netting four goals provides a team with a significant edge.
Markstrom didn’t point fingers but alluded to the need for better game management and execution. His statement suggested that defensive discipline and composure were lacking, especially during the crucial second period.
Not Throwing Teammates Under the Bus
- Despite the disappointing outcome, Markstrom made a point to praise his teammates. “Our defense had been playing unbelievable in front of me and Jake, and Dossie all year,” he said.
- He highlighted the physical sacrifices made by defensemen and wingers alike — blocking shots, absorbing hits, and committing to team-first play.
- “There’s a lot of will in this room,” he added. “It sucks right now.” His words struck a balance between accountability and loyalty. He acknowledged the pain of the loss while reinforcing the unity and resolve of the team.
- Markstrom’s performance throughout the regular season was a major factor in the Devils’ playoff push. After being acquired in a trade to bolster New Jersey’s goaltending depth, he delivered consistent results.
- His 26-16-6 record, along with a 2.50 goals-against average and four shutouts, reestablished him as a top-tier starter.
- Though the playoffs ended sooner than expected, Markstrom’s individual numbers were impressive. He posted a .911 save percentage in five games, including a memorable double-overtime victory in Game 3.
- That win briefly tilted the series in New Jersey’s favor, showcasing his ability to steal games at the highest level.
Jacob Markstrom: Missed Opportunity for a Deep Run
The Devils entered the postseason with high hopes. Led by a talented young core and supported by veterans like Markstrom, they were seen as a dark horse to contend for the Stanley Cup.3
After getting past the first round, expectations were elevated.
However, inconsistencies on defense and a lack of scoring depth exposed their weaknesses. The Game 5 loss was symbolic of those issues — a hot start, a defensive collapse, and a disappearing act from the offense in clutch time.
Markstrom emphasized that playoff hockey is about “closing out” games. It’s a lesson the Devils learned the hard way.
With a 3-0 lead and home-ice advantage, they failed to maintain composure and structure. The loss wasn’t due to one play or one mistake but rather a cascade of small breakdowns and lost battles.
Closing games is a mindset, something that teams must cultivate through experience and accountability. For a young team like the Devils, this series could serve as a turning point — a bitter memory that shapes their mentality in future postseasons.
What’s Next for Markstrom and the Devils?
Looking ahead, the Devils will need to evaluate how they support Markstrom moving forward. His play suggests he can be a key piece in a championship puzzle, but the team needs to build a more reliable defensive core and improve offensive balance.
Key decisions await in the offseason. Will the front office bring in reinforcements on the blue line? Can they add veteran presence to help manage the emotional highs and lows of playoff hockey? And what role will Markstrom play in mentoring the Devils’ next generation of players?
If nothing else, Game 5 showcased Markstrom’s leadership. He didn’t shy away from the moment or look for scapegoats. Instead, he chose to uplift his teammates while being honest about the shortcomings.
That kind of leadership is invaluable, especially for a team on the rise. Young players will look to Markstrom’s example — both in how he performed and how he handled defeat — as they grow into leaders themselves.
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Jacob Markstrom: Praising a Gutsy Group
Despite the setback, Keefe remained impressed by his players’ competitive fire.
The Devils clawed their way back into the game and even held the lead at one point before a crucial five-on-three power play swung momentum in favor of their opponent.
“I loved the fight in our team,” Keefe said. “We competed hard. We fought back and got the lead back. Then they get a long five-on-three — the first of the series — I liked a lot about our game tonight.”
That five-on-three sequence proved to be the turning point. With the team already worn down from the earlier injuries and a demanding series, the Devils did all they could to fend off the attack. But eventually, the dam broke.
Still, Keefe was quick to highlight the grit his team displayed in pushing the game into overtime.
“Our guys gave everything they had. We were on fumes in overtime,” he said. “There was a path there for us to win. Came close to it today.”
Young Core Continues to Impress
Despite the disappointing finish, one of the most encouraging aspects of the season was the emergence of the Devils’ young core.
Jack Hughes, Luke Hughes, Dawson Mercer, and others made significant strides. Their development remains the foundation of the franchise’s future, and under Keefe’s guidance, that future looks increasingly bright.
Luke Hughes, in particular, showed glimpses of becoming a dominant two-way defenseman before his injury. His ability to generate offense from the back end while improving his defensive awareness makes him a cornerstone piece moving forward.
A deep postseason run may not have materialized, but New Jersey has re-established itself as a team on the rise—one with a competitive window opening, not closing. The future looks bright, and fans can feel excited about what’s next.
Jacob Markstrom’s Heroics: A Beacon of Resilience
One of the standout performances of the game—and perhaps the entire playoff run—came from veteran goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
Acquired to bring stability between the pipes, Markstrom lived up to expectations when it mattered most. He kept the Devils in the game with a string of highlight-reel saves and battled valiantly in overtime despite clear signs of fatigue.
“Marky’s battling,” Keefe noted. “He gave us a chance to win. That’s all you can ask of your goaltender in a game like this.”
Markstrom’s professionalism and commitment to the team were never in doubt, and his performance in the final game only solidified his reputation as a big-game goaltender.
While the Devils boast one of the league’s most promising young defensive corps, they may need more veteran insurance to withstand the grind of an 82-game season and playoff stretch.
Jacob Markstrom: New Member
Jacob Markstrom announced the news of welcoming new member in the family on his recent instagram post.
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Navigating a Season of Highs and Lows
The loss marked the end of a turbulent but ultimately promising season for New Jersey. After a sluggish start, the Devils caught fire midseason, riding the wave of young talent, smart acquisitions, and strong goaltending.
Hiring Sheldon Keefe midseason provided a needed spark. His structured approach and calm demeanor helped steer the team back into playoff contention.
The Devils fought hard through a physically demanding series and showcased growth that bodes well for the future.
But injuries, depth concerns, and untimely penalties ultimately spelled the end of their playoff run.
With the season officially over, the focus now shifts to the offseason. There are several major questions facing the Devils’ front office. Chief among them is the future of Jacob Markstrom.
The 34-year-old goaltender has one year remaining on his six-year, $36 million contract. His performance this season, especially in the playoffs, has raised questions about whether the team should pursue an extension or consider trade options to recoup assets.
Given the physical toll the series took on the team, management will also likely prioritize adding depth on defense. Injuries to Hughes and Smith exposed vulnerabilities in the blue line.
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