A Rough Night in Denver: The New Jersey Devils and Jake Allen
On February 26, 2025, the New Jersey Devils faced a sobering 5-1 defeat against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. The game was a particularly tough one for veteran goaltender Jake Allen, who found himself at the center of the storm. Despite facing 36 shots, Allen’s standout performance in the first two periods kept the Devils in the game. Head coach Sheldon Keefe recognized Allen’s efforts, stating, "We were in the game because of him. We didn’t score enough for him, which has unfortunately been the story when Jake has been in for too many games this year."
The Emotional Exit of Jake Allen
Midway through the third period, with 1:42 remaining, Jake Allen’s game came to an abrupt and emotional end. His frustration was palpable as he slammed his stick into the boards before being replaced by Nico Daws. Keefe explained the decision to pull Allen, noting, "I had to get him out because he was cramping up pretty good and dehydrated, and such." Allen’s physical condition added another layer of difficulty to an already challenging night. His rare display of emotion on the ice spoke volumes about the toll the game was taking on him.
A Strong First Half and Unraveling End
The first two periods were a testament to Allen’s resilience and skill. In the opening five minutes alone, he faced seven shots while his team managed just one. His performance kept the Devils alive, and by the end of the first period, the score was a manageable 1-0. However, the momentum shifted in the third period. Colorado extended their lead to 2-0 early in the final frame, and Jack Hughes managed to break the shutout with a goal at the 8:28 mark. The game truly unraveled in the final five minutes, with Nathan MacKinnon, Casey Mittelstadt, and Logan O’Connor scoring in quick succession to seal the 5-1 victory for the Avalanche.
Recognition and Support from Teammates
After the game, defensive stalwart Johnathan Kovacevic acknowledged Allen’s exceptional play, stating, "He was standing on his head in the first two periods." Despite the final score, the Devils’ defense recognized the crucial role Allen played in keeping the game close. Keefe’s comments echoed this sentiment, highlighting the repeated pattern of Allen’s strong performances being let down by the team’s offensive struggles.
The Broader Context: Jake Allen’s Season
Jake Allen’s record of 9-13-1 might not reflect the quality of his play, but his four shutouts, tied for second-most in the NHL behind Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, tell a different story. The 34-year-old goaltender, with 12 seasons of NHL experience, isn’t one to dwell on statistics. As he told The Hockey News, "Goaltending stats, to me, is a very conversational piece. It gives you a baseline, but it doesn’t really paint the whole picture." Since Jacob Markstrom’s injury on January 22, Allen has been a consistent presence in the net, one of the few bright spots in New Jersey’s season.
Looking Ahead to Salt Lake City
The New Jersey Devils will have little time to dwell on their loss as they prepare to face the Utah Hockey Club in Salt Lake City on Saturday night at Delta Center. As the team looks to refocus and rebuild, the support and recognition for Jake Allen’s efforts will be crucial. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how the Devils can leverage Allen’s strong performances to turn their season around. For now, the focus is on the next game, and the hope that the struggles in Denver will serve as a learning experience for the team.
