Jake Allen (© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)The Tampa Bay Lightning are entering a significant off-season this year. After a quick first-round playoff exit, it is clear that the Lightning are due to make some changes to their roster.
One specific area that the Lightning must look to improve is the backup goaltender position. Jonas Johansson is a pending unrestricted free agent, so the Lightning should be aiming to make an upgrade. When looking at goalies who can hit the market on July 1, New Jersey Devils netminder Jake Allen stands out big time.
Allen, 34, thrived in a backup role for the Devils this season and would be a notable addition to the Lightning's roster because of it. In 31 games with the Metropolitan Division club, he posted a .908 save percentage, a 2.76 goals-against average, and four shutouts. He also stepped up nicely when Devils starter Jacob Markstrom was out due to injury, so he can handle a more significant role if needed.
Allen has worked well in a 1B/backup role throughout his career, and he could do the very same for the Lightning if signed. In 460 career NHL games split between the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, and Devils, he has a 208-184-43 record, a .908 save percentage, and a 2.76 goals-against average. He also has a Stanley Cup on his resume, which adds to his appeal.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Lightning make a push for Allen. Bringing Allen in would allow the Lightning to lower Vasilevskiy's workload a bit during the regular-season, so there could be a good match here.
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