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How the Devils Should Handle the Evident Goalie Controversy
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- How the Devils Should Handle the Evident Goalie Controversy
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The New Jersey Devils have a goaltending controversy. Fortunately, there's a solution.
It's clear as day what is happening in goal. Jacob Markstrom is struggling out of the gate this season. That's not uncommon for him, as he tends to get going a bit later in the season. Factor in the early injury, and it's evident why we're still having this conversation.
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However, the controversy is the Devils have been better positioned to win with Jake Allen in goal, instead of the guy they just paid to be their No.1 netminder.
Whatever you want to call him, the 1B, the backup, Allen's earning more time in net. Perhaps, even the lion share of starts.
So, how do the Devils handle the situation?
The Devils have two 35-year-old goaltenders they're relying on. Both of which were recently extended in different ways. Markstrom inked a two-year extension last month that will keep him through 2028, costing New Jersey $6 million per. Allen, over the summer, signed a contract that retains him through 2030, with a $1.8 million AAV.
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Compensation be damned, however. The Devils at this point should be splitting the net, 50/50, between Markstrom in Allen.
Now, let's not be naive to the fact that what's going on in front of the Devils' goaltenders is a bit problematic. New Jersey is winning games in spite of their negative goal scoring differential, sitting on the wrong side of a 434-464 difference, 48.33% at even strength.
The problem is the Devils acquired Markstrom due to his high-danger save capabilities. His prowess has always stated he's one of the best at stopping high-danger attempts, something that's eluded him this season.
This season, Markstrom is sitting below the 50th percentile of goaltenders, with a .769 high-danger save percentage. That's beneath the .809 NHL average, according to NHL edge . In other words, Markstrom has allowed 15 goals in high-danger areas out of 65 high-danger attempts. The NHL average is 13.
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The issue, however, is Markstrom is sitting below the 50th percentile in all areas of the ice. High-danger, low-danger, mid-range, it doesn't matter. Markstrom is struggling to stop them all.
Allen, however, is proving to be stronger.
In one category, Markstrom has the edge. His high-danger save percentage is .01 percent stronger than Allen's .768. It's not much difference at all.
However, there's a STARK difference in the number of quality saves being made by Allen in the other areas of the ice.
At mid-range, Allen ranks in the 96th percentile in the NHL. He's accrued a .940 SV% on mid-range shots by the opposition. On low-danger attempts, he ranks in the 88th percentile, with a .984 SV%.
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So whereas Allen is making the saves the Devils need, Markstrom is lacking.
Yes, the Devils need to limit the high-danger chances they've been allowing. They're on the wrong-side of a 185-202 high-danger chance differential during five-on-five play. Thus, it makes sense that both Allen and Markstrom rank similarly.
However, Allen's providing the expected stops, whereas Markstrom isn't. That's evident, where Allen ranks 24th in the NHL with 4.3 saves above expected. Markstrom ranks 69th at -4.8.
So, two things need to happen. The Devils need to play better in front of their goalies. There's no doubt about that.
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However, Markstrom needs to be much stronger all around. Right now, Allen is giving them the best chance to win in each of his starts.
Yet, the Devils don't want to strip Markstrom of his confidence, nor do they want to leave him cold.
Sheldon Keefe should work an even 50/50 split between Markstrom and Allen. Give their No.1 goaltender the opportunity to get his feet under him. He can't do that in a backup role. Meanwhile, elevate Allen. As opposed to Markstrom getting two starts to Allen's one, alternate the veteran duo, keep them as fresh as possible, and make a choice when the playoff's roll around based on merit.
Jake Allen deserves to play more.
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