Markstrom is still good. Playing him 10 more games in the regular season than guys like Kevin Woodley , who knows goalie stuff, think is wise, doesn't necessarily hurt in the regular season, but by the playoffs he's wearing down.
It's not just that he's tired or can't rehab small nagging injuries, but that he doesn't get enough off days to refocus his game. In Vancouver, he would "drift" from his best habits when they had a long road trip and he didn't get practice time with Ian Clarke--who I also think was probably the best fit as goalie coach for him.
It's up to Calgary's goalie coach to advocate for the rest and practice time in the regular season--if we had won a couple fewer games it wouldn't have changed that much and Markstrom could have been fresher for the playoffs.
Also, the type of games matters. Dallas was pinned a lot when the Flames had relentless pressure in the Stars zone. That is time when Markstrom doesn't have to be in his tensed up stance awaiting shots so it's not as tiring as it is when the time in each zone is more balanced, like in the Oiler series.
I think Vladar is up to a few more games, and as Tampa proves, you don't have to finish first in your divisiion; you have to be ready for the battle that is the playoffs.
|