Markstrom vows to improve after rocky start: 'I've got to step up here'

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom is holding himself accountable for an uncharacteristically poor start to the 2022-23 season.

"If you look strictly at the numbers, I've got to be better," Markstrom said after Thursday's loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to Sportsnet's Eric Francis.

"I've got to step up here. We've got a great team, and we're playing good, and we're throwing a lot of pucks on their net. Pucks are going to find a way into their net, and I've got to keep them out."

Markstrom, a Vezina Trophy runner-up last season, owns a .887 save percentage and 3.06 goals against average in 13 contests this campaign. He ranks 64th among all netminders with minus-6.46 goals saved above average in all situations, according to Evolving-Hockey.

His teammates are confident he'll get his groove back sooner than later.

"It's a team game - he has our back, and we have his back," said Milan Lucic.

"We all know what he's capable of. He's one of the best goalies in the league. We have full confidence in him, and we want him to have full confidence in himself."

Most of Calgary's problems over its underwhelming 7-7-2 start stem from issues in the crease. The Flames are a quality possession team, controlling 55% of shot attempts and 51% of expected goals at five-on-five while ranking top 10 in expected goals against per 60 minutes at 2.53. But they're dead last in the NHL with a team save percentage of .877.

Backup Dan Vladar has also struggled following a strong first season with the Flames, registering a .881 clip in four appearances this campaign.

Calgary has dropped to fifth in the Pacific Division after collecting only two wins in its last 10 games. The Flames return to the ice Saturday against the Florida Panthers, a highly-anticipated clash between the two clubs that orchestrated the biggest story of the offseason with the Jonathan Huberdeau-Matthew Tkachuk trade.