Markstrom's new mask features flaming skull

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.

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.