The New Jersey Devils are entering the 2024-25 season with two seasoned veterans in goal: Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen.
Both netminders were drafted in the 2008 NHL Draft, and as Allen said, they grew up together playing and competing against each other.
After Monday’s practice, Allen spoke with The Hockey News and discussed what makes a good goaltending tandem and that unique working dynamic.
“I have played with a lot of different guys,” Allen said. “Some guys are talkative, some guys aren’t. It is understanding what your partner needs and what he doesn’t need. I think the easy thing for me and (Markstrom) is we are both the same age. We have played 15 years pro already together. We have grown up together, playing against each other. I think I understand his game and who he is as a person a little bit already over the last three weeks.”
Related: Devils’ Jake Allen Explains Why He Waived His No-Move Clause
In the coming days, Allen and Markstrom will continue to learn each other’s cues and regimen, which will be necessary for the duo’s working relationship on and off the ice.
“I think a big thing is understanding routines,” Allen continued. “Game days, what he likes, what he doesn’t like. Stay out of his lane or talk and make him feel comfortable. There are a lot of different things, and that is going to be a work in progress. I think we sort of hit it off right away, and it is going to be a good partnership.”
Allen explained he will benefit from having a goaltending partner of the same age, as it is easier than working with a young netminder.
“I think some (young) guys might be a little shy or hesitant,” Allen explained. “There are a lot of things that go into it; you know, maybe he doesn’t want to steal your thunder, all that stuff sort of adds up.
“I think (Markstrom and I) are both mature enough and old enough to realize that all that stuff doesn’t matter. We are here to try and help the team win and get over the hump.”
It is certainly a bonus that Allen gets to work with Markstrom, and he credited general manager Tom Fitzgerald, who successfully executed his game plan.
“I heard rumblings and sort of had an idea that (Markstrom) was a target, but until it is done, it is not done,” Allen said. “I think that was part of the reason I waived my no-trade last year. I was laid out a plan, and sometimes that plan is hard to follow through, but Fitzgerald did a hell of a job making everything happen.”
Mar 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 NHL games of experience. The veterans will provide the Devils with the reliability they desperately need, as the netminders have seen and endured it all over the last fifteen 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 a starting goaltender has not been confirmed, it won’t be a surprise to see Allen get some time before the club travels to Europe for the 2024 NHL Global Series.
Related: The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes
Related: Devils’ Markstrom Reflects on Past Few Months & Shares Excitement for Next Chapter
Related: Jake Allen on His Devils Debut: ‘I Wanted to Show the Group I Was Ready to Play’
