Markstrom's new mask features flaming skull

Aug 22, 2023

Jacob Markstrom is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2021 season, and possessing one of the coolest masks in the NHL is a good start.

Mask artist Jordon Bourgeault shared his design for the Calgary Flames goaltender's new headgear Wednesday. It prominently displays a flaming skull, includes nods to some of the team's past netminders, and has an "inside joke" that presumably pokes fun at current Flames defenseman Chris Tanev.

A post shared by Jordon Bourgeault (@jboairbrush)

Markstrom wore the mask seen below last season in his first campaign with Calgary.

The 31-year-old went 22-19-2 with a .904 save percentage while starting all 43 games he played in 2021. Markstrom's minus-5.83 goals saved above expected and minus-0.99 goals saved above average at five-on-five ranked 70th and 53rd in the NHL, respectively, according to Evolving Hockey.

The Swedish puck-stopper signed a six-year pact with the Flames carrying an average annual value of $6 million in October 2020.