Jacob Markstrom's rebound control is still a major problem for the New Jersey Devils

Jacob Markstrom is one of the many major issues with the New Jersey Devils this season, but one could argue that he’s cost the Devils more games than anyone else on the roster. He just hasn’t been good for large sections of the season. 

While he has been better as of late, he was not good on Tuesday. As of this writing, he’s allowed four goals on 22 shots against the New York Rangers. It might get better, or it might get worse, but it’s bad either way. 

One goal in particular was all on Markstrom. With the Devils down 2-1 but just cutting the lead in half, a puck was thrown at Markstrom from the outside. He couldn't handle it, and it dropped just feet from the net with nobody to stop it.

Jaroslav Chmelar was sitting there essentially all alone, and he got the easiest goal you'll get in the National Hockey League.

Jacob Markstrom's rebound control is something that will lose the New Jersey Devils games in future seasons

This has been a problem all season. The statistics are hard to collect, but rebound control has been a problem for Markstrom. Sometimes, the defenseman is there to save the day, but oftentimes, it leads to a very high-danger chance. Like on Tuesday night, many times, those shots are going to go in. 

The Devils need more from Markstrom if he’s going to remain the starter going into next season. There’s a lot he needs to work on. He wasn’t good enough on high-danger chances, giving up more than six goals above average according to Natural Stat Trick. He’s also allowed too many weak goals. His total goals saved above average is almost -13. 

We’re in a bad situation, and the fact that Tom Fitzgerald gave him a two-year extension worth $6 million per season puts the Devils in a pickle. They cannot buy out Markstrom because the extension technically hasn’t kicked in yet. You cannot buy out a contract that hasn’t technically started. 

Hopefully, Markstrom works on rebounds all season. That has been especially bad this year. If the Devils are going anywhere next season, and honestly, the season after that, they either have to get out of this disastrous contract, or their starting goalie needs to be worlds better.