Jacob Markström's NHL Setback as New Jersey Devils Fall 0-9 to Islanders

January 7, 2026 10:41am

Jacob Markström concedes nine goals in a 0-9 defeat to the New York Islanders, raising questions about coaching decisions and his Olympic prospects.

Key details

• Jacob Markström allowed nine goals during a 0-9 loss to the New York Islanders.
• Markström described the outcome as embarrassing and a joke.
• The Devils outshot the Islanders 44-24 but failed to score.
• Coach Sheldon Keefe defended keeping Markström in goal, blaming defensive failings for the loss.

In a tough game for Swedish goaltender Jacob Markström, the New Jersey Devils suffered a crushing 0-9 loss against the New York Islanders. Markström allowed nine goals on 24 shots, marking one of the worst performances in his 16-year NHL career and leaving him feeling "embarrassed" and describing the game as "a joke." Despite the Devils taking 44 shots, they failed to score against Islanders goalie Ilia Sorokin.

The game also raised questions about the coaching decisions of Sheldon Keefe, who opted to keep Markström in goal throughout the match despite the barrage of goals. Keefe defended the goaltender, saying Markström had been performing well recently and deserved to stay in the game, but emphasized the team’s defensive lapses were unacceptable and contributed heavily to the defeat.

Notable moments from the Islanders included Simon Holmström scoring one of the nine goals and Anthony Duclair completing a hat trick, his first since 2019. The loss was particularly deflating for Markström as it came shortly after he was named as a goaltender for the upcoming Winter Olympics in February.

Markström’s performance and the coaching choices during the game have sparked discussions among fans and analysts regarding the management of the Devils’ defensive strategy and goaltending in critical moments.

This article was translated and synthesized from Swedish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.