Allen turning heads with impressive playoff stats

If you're surprised by Jake Allen's performance in these playoffs, you shouldn't be.

Let's look at the stats.

Through 27 career playoff games, Allen has posted a 1.98 goals-against average, which ranks second-best in the League since 1960. For perspective, legends Martin Brodeur and Dominik Hasek are tied for third with a 2.02 goals-against average, albeit with more games played.

But there's more.

Among active goaltenders, Allen's playoff save-percentage (.928) ranks third in the League. Only Edmonton's Mike Smith (.934) and Ottawa's Craig Anderson (.929) have a better playoff save-percentage.

Now, with back-to-back wins in less than 24 hours, Allen has the Blues back to even in their first-round best-of-7 series with the Vancouver Canucks.

"I knew I had to be ready," Allen said after a 3-1 win in Game 4. "You don't have 82 games to prep yourself for the playoffs, so it was just working hard and being ready. I got a chance, you know, try to make the most of it. The guys have played really hard the past couple of nights and hats off to them. It made my job not overly difficult and it got us right back in the series here. So it's good to be battling with the guys. It's been awhile, but it's been fun."

Allen has started three games since the NHL resumed its season, giving up just four goals on 102 shots. He has a 1.20 goals-against average and a .961 save-percentage in three postseason appearances this year (including the round-robin).

In his last 13 playoff starts dating back to Game 1 vs. Minnesota in 2017, Allen has held the opposition to two or fewer goals in 10 of them.

"We've got two really good goalies," Blues Head Coach Craig Berube said about playing Allen in consecutive games. "Jake felt good, he played a strong game. I had a gut feeling and just went with him. He was excellent again."

Playoff Goals-Against Average (since 1960)

1. Patrick Lalime 1.77
   2. Jake Allen - 1.98
   3. Martin Brodeur - 2.02
   4. Dominik Hasek - 2.02

Playoff Save Percentage (active goalies)

1. Mike Smith - .934
   2. Craig Anderson - .929
      3. Jake Allen - .928
   3. Braden Holtby - .927
   4. Cam Talbot - 926
      Tuukka Rask - 926

minimum 20 games played