Jacob Markstrom sets new Canucks record with shutout on Sedin Night
On a night when the Vancouver Canucks honoured two Swedish legends, another Swede stepped up with a legendary performance.
Jacob Markstrom stopped all 49 shots he faced, setting a new franchise record for highest number of saves in a shutout, as the Canucks beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-0 on Sedin Night.
That's a 49-save @pepsi shutout for Jacob Markstrom (@j_markstrom).
You heard right… 49 SAVES! pic.twitter.com/hzQpAfFHPi
— NHL (@NHL) February 13, 2020
“I was more nervous than I usually am,” Markstrom admitted post-game, acknowledging the tremendous importance of the Sedin twins.
“They’re such great people — they’re quiet guys, they don’t really like to be in the centre of the room but they really deserve it and earned it. Every applause and every good thing that was said about them is well-deserved. I can’t wait to have more dinners and watch some horses with them.”
After the heartwarming pre-game ceremony, the Canucks struggled to find their legs early and the Blackhawks looked poised to take a lead, but thankfully Markstrom was on top of his game once again to backstop the team to victory.
“He’s been the backbone of our team,” said Troy Stecher. “We definitely wouldn’t be in the position that we’re in without these goaltenders, and Marky again tonight was outstanding.”
Markstrom improved his record to 21-16-3 this season with a .918 SV%, 2.74 GAA, and three shutouts. In addition to the club record, Markstrom also set an NHL record for most saves in a shutout by a Swedish-born goaltender.
“It seems like no matter what, he’s on [his game], and you need that from a starting goaltender,” Bo Horvat said post-game. “It just gives us so much more confidence knowing he’s a brick wall back there. It’s nice to have.”
It was Horvat who scored the game’s first goal and eventual game-winner off a tic-tac-toe play that would make the Sedins proud.
Tic-tac-GOAL! @BoHorvat with his 18th 🚨 of the season. pic.twitter.com/hKLKr21EVP
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) February 13, 2020
“Such a special night,” Horvat said. “Two amazing people. It’s not a typical start to a hockey game so I’m sure the boys were a little rusty at the start but we found a way to get it done.”
The team’s second goal featured even more Sedinery, with Adam Gaudette finishing off the pretty passing play for his 10th goal of the season.
Sedin-like passing on this @Hockey_Gaud 🚨 pic.twitter.com/s8BYiAjqYO
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) February 13, 2020
With the win the Canucks improve to 32-21-5 and hold a three-point lead on Edmonton atop the Pacific Division.
The Canucks have a few days off now until their next game on Sunday when they host the Anaheim Ducks.
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