Markstrom is the designated road starter for Saturday evening's game against the Maple Leafs, Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Swede reportedly will be countered by Frederik Andersen in this cross-conference affair between two clubs going in opposite directions. Markstrom is the No. 1 puck plugger for the Canucks, who've lost two straight and own an egregious minus-26 goal differential. As for the Buds, they're currently in third place with 50 points in the standings and fresh off a big shootout win over the Sharks.

Markstrom allowed one goal on seven shots in relief of Anders Nilsson in Tuesday's 5-0 loss to Anaheim.

EDGE Analysis

After Anders Nilsson allowed four goals on 19 shots, Markstrom was called upon, but it was too little and too late. The Swedish netminder has suffered through his own struggles as of late (one win in his last six starts), as evidenced by his dismal 10-13-4 record, 2.79 GAA and .906 save percentage. Neither goalie can be trusted at this point, so they're probably best left for the deepest of leagues and in select spot-start situations.

Markstrom stopped 32 of 36 shots in Saturday's loss to Los Angeles.

EDGE Analysis

Markstrom made some key saves in the early goings, but he was burned for goals by Kyle Clifford and Drew Doughty in the third period that led to his fourth loss in five games. Markstrom showed Thursday against Chicago how valuable he can be when he's at his best, but unfortunately those performances have been few and far between. He's worth owing in deeper leagues due to his heavy workload and 10 victories on the season, but his .906 save percentage just isn't going to cut it for fantasy owners seeking a reliable starting netminder.

Markstrom led the Canucks out to the ice for pregame warmups Saturday, Curtis Zupke of the Los Angeles Times reports. As a result, he'll be the home starter versus the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

The starting nod goes to Markstrom, despite the fact that alternate goalie Anders Nilsson defeated this team on the road with a 30-save performance Nov. 14. At any rate, Markstrom catches the Kings at a particularly good time, as the royal club has lost two straight with only a pair of goals scored over that span.

Markstrom stopped 30 of 32 shots in Thursday's win over Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

Markstrom was great in his last start before the holiday break, but didn't end up with a victory, so it's good to see him get rewarded for a solid performance. The 27-year-old advances to 10-12-4 on the season with a .907 save percentage. While two consecutive impressive showings are promising, Markstrom has struggled with consistency and is yet to truly get into a groove. If he can keep up this play, he could be worth looking at, but exhibit caution for now.

Markstrom will defend the cage from the visiting Blackhawks on Thursday night, Irfaan Gaffar of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Swede turned in an inspired outing against the Blues on Saturday -- he kicked aside 31 of 33 shots, but still suffered his 12th loss of the season. Two more losses and Markstrom will match a career high in that dreaded category, but his peripherals (2.77 GAA, .905 save percentage) aren't terrible considering that scoring is up across the league. His next opponent is a Blackhawks team that has lost two consecutive games and is dangerously close to last place in the Central Division.

Markstrom stopped 31 of 33 shots in Saturday's loss to the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

Markstrom actually played quite well despite the defeat, but the slumping Canucks could only muster one goal past opposing netminder Jake Allen. While the Swedish goaltender played well against the Blues, these aren't fun times for his fantasy owners. Markstrom was burned for five goals in three of his previous four outings and owns a lackluster 9-12- record on the season. His .905 save percentage isn't awful, but Markstrom should be avoided right now until the Canucks get healthier and start improving their play.

Markstrom was designated as Saturday's home starter against the Blues, Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650 reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Swede has coughed up five goals in three of the past four games with just one win over that span. St. Louis is a formidable opponent, but the Notes have dropped three straight games and Markstrom seems to be catching them at a good time with two-way notable Jaden Schwartz (ankle) out until late January. Still, we don't feel confident recommending Markstrom while he's as cold as the ice he plays on.

Markstrom made 27 saves in Thursday's 5-4 overtime loss to San Jose.

EDGE Analysis

Three of the goals conceded by Markstrom came on the power play. Since shutting out Carolina on Dec. 5, Markstrom has gone 1-4-0. In those five games, he's allowed five goals three times and three goals in each of the other two. The 6-foot-6 Swede can't be trusted right now.

Markstrom will patrol the blue paint versus the Sharks on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

In his previous four outings, Markstrom has gotten shelled for a combined 16 goals. Coach Trent Green gave the netminder the night off Tuesday, likely in the hope that he would rediscover his game. If he can't get back on track, Anders Nilsson could start to challenge Markstrom for more consistent starts.