Devils activate G Markstrom off IR, will start Sunday vs. Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS (AP) — New Jersey Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom, in his first game in more than five weeks, took a shutout into the third period Sunday night before giving up two power-play goals in a 2-0 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Markstrom had been sidelined since Jan. 22 because of a strained knee ligament. The injury cost him a chance to play for his native Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

“Obviously, it felt good to be out there playing,” Markstrom said. “It's been a few weeks here, and unfortunately we couldn't get away with two points as well.”

He made 22 saves in the loss. His glove save of a Brett Howden backhand with 2:14 left in the second period kept the game scoreless.

“I thought he was excellent,” coach Sheldon Keefe said. “He looked like a guy who didn't miss any time, and so credit to him and the work he put in. He was great.”

Markstrom was activated from injured reserve before the matchup with the Golden Knights. Fellow goalie Nico Daws was sent to the minors.

The 35-year-old Markstrom is 21-10-5 this season with a .912 save percentage and 2.19 goals-against average.

“I feel like conditioning and strengthwise, I feel strong enough working out at the gym for 5 1/2 weeks,” Markstrom said. “Playing the game, I felt all right, but I want the goals back and that's the name of the game.”

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