Jake Allen can’t stop making highlight-reel moments with the New Jersey Devils.
The Devils’ newest goaltender has been on fire ever since his acquisition back on March 8th at the NHL Trade Deadline.
Through three starts, Allen is now 2-1-0 with a collective 4.69 goals saved above expected.
In Tuesday night’s victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, Allen stoned Pens captain Sidney Crosby who had a wide-open net. However, the veteran goaltender made a diving stop with his blocker that brought fans to their feet and even followed the initial stop with another fantastic save on Marcus Pettersson on a secondary chance.
JAKE ALLEN
NOT JUST ONE, BUT TWO INCREDIBLE SAVES pic.twitter.com/9HtBOl9OjD
— NHL (@NHL) March 19, 2024
Allen, humble as he is, attributed the save to luck.
“I saw him … he walked out in front of the net and was patient, waiting me out,” Allen explained. “It’s desperation, but at the same time, there’s a lot of luck involved there, and sometimes you’re lucky, sometimes you’re not. It was an important first game of this three-game homestand.”
Coming from Montreal, the Canadiens were working a three-goaltender system with Allen, Sam Montembault, and Cayden Primeau. Therefore, Tuesday night was the first time Allen started in back-to-back games all season. He explained he’s feeling physically well and is prepared for more starts down the stretch of the regular season.
“That was the first time all year for me,” Allen chuckled when asked about back-to-back starts. “So it was good, it’s good to get some ice time, you know, try to get in a little bit of groove. I feel good right now, my body has felt good all year. But, it was a first for me so you know, look forward to more games.”
Who knows how long this momentum will go, but enjoy the ride Jake Allen is taking us all on.
@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL
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