Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild: Top 3 takeaways from Game 3

2. Magnificent Markstrom

Going into this series, the Vancouver Canucks had a huge advantage in net. Though Alex Stalock has played much better than anyone expected, Jacob Markstrom of the Canucks has stepped up his game as well. Through 180 minutes, he still has yet to allow a single goal at 5v5. That’s a huge reason why they’ve won the past two games.

During the regular season, Markstrom had the best NHL season of his career. Had he not suffered an injury in February, you could argue he would have been a Vezina Trophy finalist. Personally, I believe Markstrom should have been one regardless. The Canucks sure didn’t make his life easy, but Markstrom still stood tall and was one of the most impactful goalies in the NHL.

Vancouver has needed him to be at the top of his game and so far, he has been. Especially in Game 3, when Markstrom needed to be sharp in the first period. For a good portion in the first 20 minutes, the Wild had the puck in the Canucks zone. A goal could have shifted momentum in Minnesota’s favor, but Markstrom stood tall.

He’s waited his entire career to play on the big stage in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So far, Markstrom’s doing everything he can to make sure it’s a long run.