THE The New Jersey Devils enter the 2024-25 season with two seasoned veterans in goal: Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen.
Both goalies were drafted in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and, as Allen said, grew up together playing and competing against each other.
After Monday’s practice, Allen spoke with Hockey News and discussed what makes a good goaltending tandem and this unique working dynamic.
“I’ve played with a lot of different players,” Allen said. “Some are talkative, some aren’t. You have to understand what your partner needs and what they don’t need. I think what’s easy for me and (Markstrom) is we’re both the same age. We’ve played together for 15 years as pros. We grew up together, playing against each other. I think I understand his game and who he is as a person a little bit after three weeks.”
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Over the next few days, Allen and Markstrom will continue to learn each other’s signals and regimens, which will be necessary for the duo’s working relationship on and off the ice.
“I think the main thing is understanding the routines,” Allen continued. “On game days, what he likes, what he doesn’t like. Stay out of his lane or talk to him and make him feel comfortable. There’s a lot of different things, and it’s going to be a work in progress. I think we clicked right away and it’s going to be a good partnership.”
Allen explained that he would benefit from having a goalie partner of the same age because it is easier than working with a younger goalie.
“I think some (young) guys can be a little shy or hesitant,” Allen said. “There’s a lot of things that go into it; you know, maybe he doesn’t want to steal the spotlight, it all adds up.”
“I think (Markstrom and I) are mature enough and old enough to understand that none of that matters. We’re here to try to help the team win and overcome obstacles.”
It’s certainly a bonus that Allen has the opportunity to work with Markstrom, and he praised general manager Tom Fitzgerald for successfully executing his game plan.
“I heard rumors and I felt like (Markstrom) was a target, but until it’s done, it’s not done,” Allen said. “I think that’s part of the reason I opted out of my no-trade agreement last year. I was presented with a plan, and sometimes that plan is hard to follow, but Fitzgerald did a hell of a job making it happen.”
March 19, 2024; Newark; New Jersey; USA; New Jersey Devils goaltender Jake Allen (34) makes a save on Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Allen and Markstrom have a combined 914 games of NHL experience. The veterans will provide the Devils with the reliability they desperately need, as the goalies have seen and endured it all over the last 15 years.
Devils fans got their first glimpse of Markstrom on Sunday night in New Jersey’s first preseason game. The Devils’ next game is Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens, and while no starting goalie has been confirmed, it won’t be surprising to see Allen get some time before the club heads to Europe for the 2024 NHL World Series.
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Related: Jake Allen on his Devils debut: ‘I wanted to show the group I was ready to play’
