Devils 6, Stars 2: Allen, DeSimone make strong first impressions

Jake Allen and Nick DeSimone were integral factors in helping the Devils keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

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A few notes from New Jersey’s impressive road win over Dallas:

Jake Allen shines in debut

It was a rocky start for Allen and the Devils. He conceded a goal just 15 seconds into the game and gave up another on the third shot he faced, which was a muffin from along the side boards.

Allowing two goals on three shots is not exactly how you want to make your first impression with a new team.

Allen dug his feet in the sand, though, and was able to stop the bleeding; something the Devils, and their goaltenders, have struggled with the entire season.

All too often one or two mistakes lead to one or two more and just like that the game is over. Allen didn’t allow that to happen.

He stopped 34 consecutive shots after a shaky start, answering the bell time and time again while the high-powered Stars pushed to get back into it.

The Devils did a good job of simplifying things, getting in the shooting lanes, and not just handing Stars easy goals.

But, make no mistake, they still gave up plenty. Allen ensured the Stars efforts were continually wasted, slamming the door on an abundance of quality chances.

Allen stopped 35-37 (.946 SV%) and shaved 2.39 goals off Dallas’ expected output. He was excellent.

Early on it felt like the game could be over before it really started and yet the Devils ended up winning by four goals. Allen deserves a ton of credit for that; he held down the fort and allowed the Devils to gain separation throughout.

How often have the Devils failed to cash in on a billion chances while their goaltenders gave up seemingly every single one at the other end? Last night we saw the opposite, with Allen stealing the show while Jake Oettinger struggled.

It was a refreshing change of pace – one we’ll hopefully see plenty of down the stretch.

Timo Meier is a force