Devils Confront Goalie Dilemma as Allen Outplays Markstrom

Overview

• Jake Allen has started 10 of New Jersey’s 19 games with seven wins and a .916 save percentage, providing steadier results than his tandem mate.
• Jacob Markstrom’s early numbers are poor at .864 save percentage and 3.83 goals-against average, with a .750 high-danger save rate that ranks 57th of 66 goalies.
• Advanced metrics highlight the gap, with Allen at +4.3 saves above expected and strong mid- and low-danger save rates, while Markstrom sits at -4.8.
• Both goalies are 35 and recently extended, with Markstrom signed for two more years at $6 million AAV and Allen under contract through 2030 at $1.8 million AAV.
• Commentary calls for coach Sheldon Keefe to split starts evenly as the team plays through a negative goal differential, while franchise legend Ken Daneyko argues Markstrom deserves patience beyond the stats.