New Jersey Devils goaltender Jake Allen is set to make his season debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This matchup features two teams with a current record of 1-1-0. It coincides with a busy day in the NHL, with ten games scheduled to celebrate Canada’s Thanksgiving Day.
Background on Jake Allen
Allen will take the starting role due to Jacob Markstrom’s subpar performance, having allowed nine goals over the first two games. Last season, Allen recorded a 13-16-1 record, achieving four shutouts with a 2.66 goals-against average (GAA) and a .906 save percentage in 31 regular-season appearances.
Player Statistics
| Statistic | Jake Allen | Jacob Markstrom |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 31 | 536 |
| Wins | 13 | 242 |
| Shutouts | 4 | 24 |
| GAA | 2.66 | 2.71 |
| Save Percentage | .906 | Unknown |
Devils’ Recent Performance
The Devils recently secured a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, marking their first win of the season. On the other hand, the Blue Jackets come off a strong 7-4 win against the Minnesota Wild.
Markstrom’s Trade and Allen’s Commitment
Markstrom joined the Devils in June 2024, traded from Calgary for Kevin Bahl and a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Meanwhile, Allen signed a five-year, $9 million contract in July, expressing his desire to finish his career with New Jersey while emphasizing the team’s positive environment.
Notable Career Highlights
- Jake Allen’s NHL Draft: Selected in the second round (34th overall) by the St. Louis Blues in 2008.
- Career Wins: Allen holds a record of 208 wins, 184 losses, and 43 ties across 460 regular-season games.
- Playoff Experience: Allen has played 29 playoff games, maintaining a 2.06 GAA and a .924 save percentage.
This matchup will also mark the Columbus Blue Jackets’ home opener at Nationwide Arena in celebration of their 25th season. Fans can expect an exciting game as both teams aim to solidify their footing early in the season.
