Devils honour Jake Allen with silver stick for 500 NHL games
New Jersey celebrated its goaltender before Tuesday's game against Colorado after he reached the milestone on Oct. 10.
What's newThe Devils presented Allen with his silver stick before Tuesday's game against Colorado.
The New Jersey Devils presented Jake Allen with a silver stick at Prudential Center on Tuesday, Oct. 20, celebrating the goaltender's 500th NHL game before their matchup with the Colorado Avalanche.
Allen received a standing ovation after a video message from his family. Captain Nico Hischier and alternate captains Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt gave him a fishing rod made to mark the milestone and an engraved watch, NHL.com reported.
Martin Brodeur presented a crystal gift on the NHL's behalf, while Devils co-owners David and Allison Blitzer handed Allen his silver stick.
Allen reached 500 appearances on Oct. 10 in a 4-1 victory over Vancouver. New Jersey said he became the 86th goaltender in NHL history to reach that total.
Allen told the Devils he had once questioned whether he would reach the milestone. His career has taken him from a starting role in St. Louis to sharing the net in Montreal and New Jersey.
The Blues won the Stanley Cup in 2019 with Allen on their roster. After his time in Montreal, he joined the Devils and signed a five-year contract to remain in New Jersey in the summer of 2025.
In the club's account, coach Sheldon Keefe praised Allen's ability to work as a starter, backup and mentor. Defenceman Brenden Dillon credited his consistent preparation and his approach to changing roles for his longevity.
