I dont really get the Markstrom hate this year
Not gonna pretend he's been vezina calibre or anything. But he has better stats this season than last, despite our overall defense being worse than last season.
Just to compare. Last year the team was 13th in GA/GP and 5th in PK%. Markstrom had a .892 sv%. He was literally the worst starting goaltender last year.
This year though, the team is 19th in GA/GP and 9th in PK%. Markstrom has a .906 sv%. That's good enough for 12th in sv% among goaltenders that have played 20 or more games this season. (markstrom with 19 games played)
And based on my own personal viewings from watching the team this year compared to last, I do think he's been much better this year. He's actually stolen a few games for us that we had no business winning and he's been good for an excellent stop almost every game.