Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist lights up Sheldon Keefe for embarrassing Jacob Markstrom after 9-0 loss

The Devils got smoked Tuesday on Long Island, losing 9-0 while Ilya Sorokin posted a 44-save shutout. Jacob Markstrom allowed nine goals on 24 shots, and never got the mercy hook.

That's what set off Lundqvist on NHL on TNT, because goalies feel those nights in their bones. He's worn the mask in big markets, and he knows when the bench has to protect it's guy.

Keefe's choice is the part Devils fans can't stop chewing on, especially with the score climbing past five. The Islanders kept pouring it on behind Anthony Duclair's natural hat trick and five-point night.

Keefe is in his second season as New Jersey's head coach, so every decision gets tagged as culture, toughness, or stubbornness. Leaving Markstrom in can look like trust, or it can look like a coach refusing to read the room.

Honestly, I'm with Hank on this one, because a goalie shouldn't have to wear nine alone.

If Markstrom is battling and you're trying to spark shame hockey, fine, but the bench also has a duty of care. When the game is gone, the pull is about saving legs and confidence, not pretending it's still winnable.

The clip that's making the rounds is right here:

There's also a practical angle, because Markstrom is 35 and just signed a two-year deal with a $6 million cap hit. The Devils need him functional in March, not cooked in January.

For Rangers fans, it's a weird little bonus to hear Lundqvist still protecting the position like it's personal.

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