WATCH: Markström makes unbelievable paddle stop on O’Connor

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markström made what will undoubtedly be one of the best stops of the 2021–22 season during the second period of Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

After Markström stopped a long-range attempt by Penguins defenceman @Mark Friedman, the puck found its way onto the stick of centre Drew O’Connor.

Despite being tied up by Flames rearguard @Erik Gudbranson, Pittsburgh’s 23-year-old rookie managed to fire a quick shot that seemed destined to find its way into the Flames’ unguarded cage. It didn’t get there; instead, Markström lunged over and somehow managed to stop O’Connor’s shot with his goalie stick.

Here’s the video of the stop, as posted by Sportsnet’s official Twitter account:

Markström and the Flames currently lead Pittsburgh by a 1-0 score late in the second period. Pittsburgh currently leads Calgary 28-19 in the “shots on goal” column with four minutes remaining in the middle frame.

@Johnny Gaudreau has the Flames’ only goal in the game. Calgary successfully managed to preserve its one-goal lead during an extended Penguins five-on-three advantage during the first period, with Markström making seven saves during the PK.

You can catch the game on Sportsnet West, TVA Sports, and Sportsnet 960 The Fan.