Analytics models have Flames goalie Markstrom first in this important stat
The Calgary Flames may not be in a playoff spot right now, but it isn’t for a lack of goaltending.
Though trade rumours have been swirling around Jacob Markstrom off the ice recently, the veteran goaltender has not allowed the noise to affect his play on the ice. After a disappointing season with Calgary last season, the 33-year-old has held up his end of the bargain so far this year.
Through 26 games, Markstrom has a 13-11-2 record and has a .912 save percentage. This high level of play is also showing up in his underlying analytics as two separate models have him ranked first in the league in goals saved above expected (GSAx) at +18.3.
Goals Saved Above Expected Leaders – January 14 pic.twitter.com/vOWzfkZ2B9
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) January 14, 2024
This is ahead of some of the top goaltenders in the league including Vancouver Canucks netminder Thatcher Demko, Winnipeg Jets stars Connor Hellebuyck, and reigning Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark.
Jfresh isn’t the only one who has an analytics model that is putting Markstrom at the top. EvolvingWild, who has amassed a large following due to its analytics model, also has the Flames goaltender ranked first in the league.
You'll never ever ever guess who's 1st in Goals Saved Above Expected via @EvolvingWild.
JACOB MARKSTROM. #Flames pic.twitter.com/o1Kf4YWAL1
— Nathan "Grav" (@NathanGraviteh) January 8, 2024
Not every model is tracking the same. Over on Moneypuck.com, Markstrom is fifth in the league in GSAx at +13.4.
Moneypuck.com
No matter which way you look at it, Markstrom is having a very good season despite any other struggles that the team may be experiencing. If he does remain with the Flames he will be a huge part of their playoff push. If the team decides to trade him, it should get them a decent package in return.
It’s a rare win-win for a Flames team that has seen plenty go wrong over the past few seasons.