Utica Comets goaltender Jacob Markstrom is less than two periods away from the all-time American Hockey League shutout record (268:17) set by Barry Brust in November 2012.
Markstrom, playing for the Vancouver Canucks AHL affiliate, posted his third consecutive shutout Saturday night making 27 saves in a 4-0 win over the Toronto Marlies.
The 24-year-old has gone 232 minutes and 13 seconds without allowing a goal. Markstrom last allowed a goal on Oct. 11 in the first period of a 2-1 win over the Marlies. He then shutout San Antonio on Oct. 17 and Adirondack Oct. 22 prior to Saturday night’s blanking of the Marlies.
Markstrom is 4-0-0 this season with a 0.25 GAA and a .991 save percentage. The three shutouts matches a personal best for Markstrom, who previously set the mark during the 2012-13 season while with San Antonio.
Originally a second round pick of the Florida Panthers (31st overall in 2008), Markstrom was dealt to the Canucks last season as part of the trade, which landed the Panthers Roberto Luongo.