The New Jersey Devils got fans to the arena early on Monday, playing an afternoon game on a Monday holiday, and after a scoreless first period, the team took over in the second and third periods. They ended up beating the previously unbeaten Utah Hockey Club 3-0. Stefan Noesen and Seamus Casey continued their hot streaks, and the defensive system looks as good as ever. The penalty kill might be one of the best in the league, and the power play looked like they figured it out for the first time all season.
With so much positivity in this game, it was still the goaltending that stole the show. Imagine that. The New Jersey Devils have goaltending that's worth stealing the show. Jake Allen came away in the history books, becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to beat the Utah Hockey Club. Of course, the Devils are now the answer to the trivia question, "Which team was the first to beat the Utah hockey franchise?", but there was more to the record books than that.
Last year, Marc-Andre Fleury became the first goalie in the history of the league to beat 32 different franchises when he took out the Seattle Kraken, the latest franchise to join the NHL. It was a fun moment for Fleury, who's done just about everything one could do in the league.
Allen beat the Kraken two years ago. This year, he beat Utah, which gives him history, as first reported by NHL.com's Mike Morreale.
Jake Allen earned his first career win against the Utah Hockey Club and became the 1st goalie in NHL history with wins against 33 different franchises.
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) October 14, 2024
This shouldn't be a surprise. Allen has been stupendous against the roster that used to be the Arizona Coyotes. In 12 career games prior to Monday, Allen had an 8-3 record (one no decision) and a .946 save percentage. He had only given up 12 even-strength goals in 12 games. That's insane.
Allen has been great in his two starts this season, giving the Devils two incredibly legitimate goalies in net. After last year's fiasco, having Allen and Jacob Markstrom this season gives the Devils legitimate claim to contender status.