The day has arrived: Jacob Markstrom will suit up for Florida in his first career appearance in a regular season NHL game. Of course, “appearance” is a bit deceptive since he will serve in a backup capacity to Scott Clemmensen with Tomas Vokoun nursing what could be a hand injury (suffered in practice on Friday), a potential groin issue (acquired during Friday’s game), or a combination of the two.
Considering our proximity to the league’s trading deadline – February 28th – the Panthers are sure to be mum on the actual severity of Tvo’s condition.
Whatever the reason, it’s a Clemmer/Marky duo Sunday afternoon from Newark, facing a Devils club riding a 3-game winning streak; John from ILWT has an excellent preview here.
As for a temporary Markstrom replacement in Rochester, no reassignment has yet been made public as of 1pm; considering the Amerks don’t play again until Wednesday time is on their side in any potential recall from ECHL Cincinnati, with Florida prospect Marc Cheverie being the prime target.
Live Game Thread opens fire at 2pm.