AOnce again, here we are talking about Jake Allen and rebounds. Only thing is this time it’s different, much different. In his prior three games Allen surrendered deflating goals off of poorly controlled rebounds that led to devils losses. But those were sadder days, and this was Saturday.
On Super Bowl Eve, Allen rebounded in a major way. Jake the Snake recorded 34 saves for his fourth shutout of the season. The highlight for Allen, a penalty shot save on Patrick Mahomes with just 16 seconds remaining. Oh, wait…that wasn’t Mahomes? I thought referees only gave egregiously favorable calls like that to the Kansas City Chiefs QB. Ok, apparently it was Owen Beck who was the recipient of a very light grab by Devils defender Luke Hughes and awarded a penalty shot. It sure seemed that the speedy Hughes caught up and got close enough to avoid that type of call. A very poor call by the stripes for many reasons.

First, it’s just not a clear cut breakaway after Hughes catches up to Beck. Second, this is a class act goaltender in Allen. A veteran, playing in one of his former buildings. Third, the score and time remaining. It’s 4-0, there’s 16 seconds left, power play or penalty shot, either has no bearing on the outcome. Fourth and final, this is the NHL, a very difficult league for any goaltender to get a shutout. Allen has a shutout going, while he’d never admit it, and say all that matters is the win, it is much more special to win 4-0 than 4-1.
I’m not asking the officials to bend the rules here. I’m just asking them to be human. That was a 50/50 call at absolute best. Let Jake live!

A solid effort and a fantastic way to go into the Four Nations break for New Jersey. Elite shooting on goals by Jesper Bratt and both Hughes brothers (Devils improve to 7-0 when the brothers score in the same game) along with a gritty, hard working goal by Paul Cotter helped get Allen some rare support. Cotter’s goal came off of an amazing board battle by Jack Hughes, who continues to show he will do whatever it takes to win.
With a banged up squad, the break couldn’t come at a better time. The hopefully healthier and rested Devils will resume play on February 22nd when they take on the Dallas Stars at the Rock.

Hey Siri, play “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen…

Join the Discussion: » 1 Comments » Post New Comment

» Chris: It’s Groundhog Day yet again, as Devils lose in familiar fashion

» Chris: Five Takeaways From Tuesday, Or Should We Say HughesDay?

» NJ Devils Potential New Writer: Chris.

» Russ Williams: Carolina "Cracks" Seattle, 4-1

» Russ Williams: Kraken Take on Canes