In his 437th NHL game, New Jersey Devils goaltender Jake Allen earned his 200th career win at Capital One Arena against the Washington Capitals.
“It has been a long last four years to find a way to get 50 wins,” Allen said after the game. “For me, the first 150 wins came a little easier. An accomplishment that someday I’ll be proud of.”
The 34-year-old made 23 saves on 25 shots, earning a save percentage of .920. Allen’s team blocked 28 shots in front of him. Tomas Tatar, Brenden Dillon, and Dougie Hamilton scored for New Jersey.
“Jake played unbelievable tonight,” Dillon said to MSG Networks. “Some big blocked shots by guys at key times, Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer at the end of the game there. Ultimately, just finding ways to win in this league. It’s tough, and we did it tonight.”
Allen’s mother was in attendance for the victory, as the team is hosting their mom’s trip. On Friday, she told The Hockey News that her son’s hockey journey sort of evolved and that it wasn’t until the goaltender was older that he thought, “I can do this.”
He has proven he can do this by creating a 12-year career and earning a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues.
The Devils acquired Allen in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens on March 8, 2024, for a conditional pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He has appeared in 21 games for New Jersey and has helped his team to 11 wins.
“I think it was crucial for me to come last year,” Allen continued. “I don’t think I would have had the start I have had this year with this group if I did not come last year. I think that was the right decision at the time. It gave me time to get comfortable, and I think me and (Jacob Markstrom) have a good thing going, and we just want to be there for the boys.”
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