The New Jersey Devils got a decisive victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Black Friday at the KeyBank Center. The Devils’ 5-0 win came courtesy of the clean sheet from Jake Allen.
The New Jersey netminder was money in the bank, making 42 saves. Just the lopsided 42-23 shot count in favor of the Sabres told the story of the night. The Devils made the most of their opportunities, while Buffalo ran into the stone wall that was Allen.
The 35-year-old netminder has been nothing short of fantastic this season. He’s made 13 appearances this season, winning eight games to go with a 2.27 GAA and a .919 SV%. Those numbers look more akin to a starting goaltender than a backup.
But then again, that’s what the Devils bargained for when they signed Allen this season. Allen’s five-year deal this offseason raised some eyebrows. The term was evidently in lieu of a higher cap hit. But then again, Allen’s performance has done little to suggest his contract was an overpay.
Allen has stepped in this season when his team has needed him the most. The injury to Jacob Markstrom earlier this season thrust Allen into the starting role. And the Devils’ goalie has not looked back.
New Jersey is lucky to have Allen in the fold. He’s the gift that keeps on giving. Between his stellar showing and his cap hit, Tom Fitzgerald knocked one out of the park.
Devils' offense gets the job done against Sabres
The Devils’ offense also did its part by stepping up. The club put up five goals on Friday night, when they only really needed one. But then again, the Devils are a high-octane team that scores in bunches.
That much has been evident this season. Yes, there are plenty of defensive shortcomings. But then again, Sheldon Keefe’s team isn’t really the defensive bastion of the 1990s and 2000s. This team is fast, skilled, and can blow anyone away in minutes.
Getting solid goaltending is the icing on the cake that could morph into a serious playoff contender. As long as the Devils play reasonable defense in front of their netminders, they should be in every game.
With the insane amount of firepower in the Devils’ lineup, they can get away with winning slugfests here and there. Friday night’s win, however, is one that should worry the NHL. The Devils can get away with giving up 42 shots and still win 5-0.