Marc-André Fleury could become the third goaltender in NHL history to reach the 500-game mark on Thursday. And even if Jake Allen says he has a lot of respect for the Quebec goalkeeper, he hopes to see him wait a bit before accomplishing this feat.
Fleury’s Chicago Blackhawks will visit Allen’s Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.
“Sooner or later he’s going to hit that plateau, but I hope it won’t be tomorrow (Thursday),” Allen said Wednesday with a smirk. I have enormous respect for him. It’s a big challenge to play this long in this league and to be consistent. The plateau of 500 victories, behind only “Marty” (Martin Brodeur) and Patrick (Roy), it is an exceptional achievement. “
At 31, Allen is five years younger than Fleury, but he only has 164 wins on the clock. He is fully aware of the brilliance of the native Sorel goalkeeper.
Fleury made his way to the Pittsburgh Penguins, with whom he won the Stanley Cup three times, before helping the Vegas Golden Knights establish themselves among the elite from their debut. He now finds himself with the Blackhawks, a team in transition.
Despite everything, Fleury continues to get involved. He’s 7-10-0 this season with a 2.96 GAA and .908 save.
If he extends the adventure beyond the current campaign, Fleury may eventually be able to overtake Roy for second all-time in terms of wins. Roy scored 551 during his career. Brodeur sits first in this regard, with 691 victories.
“I don’t think anyone will ever come close to ‘Marty’s’ numbers,” Allen said. If that happens, it will be incredible, unless we start playing 100 games a year!
“The game is harder and faster. There are no more goalies who play 75 games per season. It’s a record that will never be broken. “
Allen has appeared in 20 of the Canadiens’ 27 games this season. If he were to maintain this pace until the end of the season, he would play 60 games. That pace could be higher, but Allen was left on the sidelines for a few days in November with a concussion.
Like anything bad luck is good, Allen believes that this break has been beneficial to him.
“I played a lot before and having this week to get back in shape was good for me,” said the New Brunswick goaltender. I’m focusing on the streak until Christmas, then we’ll have three days off. “
Allen could see his workload reduced later, if goaltender Carey Price is able to return to the game.
A goal that makes people talk
Allen also commented on Anaheim Ducks Sonny Milano’s goal against the Buffalo Sabers on Tuesday when Trevor Zegras stuck the puck to his stick and lobbed it over the net for Milano to score with a hit. theft.
“I saw this at the gym this morning. That’s crazy ! If I were the goalie I wouldn’t be happy, but as a hockey fan it’s amazing to see such a skillful game, Allen said. That’s what brings people to the arena.
“Young people will see this and maybe have a go. Maybe this is something we will see more often. Young people are increasingly talented and creative. It also takes courage to try that, because if you miss the maneuver, you look a little crazy. “
However, you should not expect to see players start trying this game every night.
“It’s easy when you’re in training or when you can go about it a few times, but I can’t say how hard it is to do it in a match situation because it’s something I’ll never try, said Canadiens forward Ryan Poehling. I can’t imagine trying something like this. “
Asked how he would go about defending such a game, Allen had no good answers to offer.
“You hope the guy misses his shot,” he said. I never prepared to quit such a game. I think it would only take luck. “
Allen is unlikely to face such a maneuver anytime soon, however.