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Jake Allen becomes first goalie to hit this unfathomable milestone

Originally posted on Hockey Unplugged | By Axel Williams | Last updated 10/16/24

Jake Allen is currently playing for the New Jersey Devils, a team that is looking to make some real noise in the NHL Playoffs this season.

Allen isn't exactly a starter in the league although he has been one in the past. He could be a solid backup and even perhaps a guy you share duties with 50/50. Having said that, he has reliably won games before and if there is a good team in front of him, he can do some damage. The Devils just so happen to be that team.

A couple of nights ago, Allen got the start against the Utah Hockey Club. Of course, Utah HC is a team that had come into that game undefeated. However, Allen picked up a shutout in a 3-0 win. As it turns out, that win helped Allen achieve a new milestone no goalie has ever reached.

He is now the first goalie in the history of the NHL to defeat 33 franchises. You might be wondering, aren't the Arizona Coyotes and Utah HC the same franchise? Well, technically, Utah is an expansion franchise due to the paperwork that was filed. Instead of relocating, the Coyotes were disbanded and then recreated as the Utah Hockey Club. Yup, a weird technicality, we know.

Either way, this is a very cool milestone to have reached. It is always fun to root for underdog goaltenders and Allen is just that. Hopefully, he is able to have a solid rest of the regular season.

This article first appeared on Hockey Unplugged and was syndicated with permission.

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