Jake Allen Named Top AHL Goaltender

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With the AHL regular season just days away from completion, more awards have been handed out by the league. The top AHL goaltender of the year goes to Jake Allen of the Chicago Wolves. The 23 year-old netminder has had a solid year between the pipes leading the Wolves into the playoffs.

It should came as little surprise to most that Jake Allen had such an incredible season in the AHL. He spent time in the NHL with the Blues during the lockout shortened season and didn’t falter at all. He looked almost ready for a full time role in the Blues crease. However, the Blues had two solid netminders and now have Ryan Miller, so Allen spent this season in the AHL. Important to note, his two-contract expires at the end of this season and he looks ready to leave the AHL in the rear view mirror.

Allen’s impressive season saw him post a league leading 2.07 GAA and .927 save percentage, while recording 32 wins in a 32-16-3 season. He also racked up 6 shutouts this season while hoping to become the first goaltender since 1985 to lead the league in wins, save percentage and GAA.

The St. Louis Blues selected Jake Allen in the second round (34th) of the 2008 NHL draft. For his efforts this season, Allen represented the Wolves in the AHL all star game and was named to the AHL All-Star team last week.

He’ll be between the pipes when the Wolves open the playoffs and is hoping to add a Calder Cup Championship to his goaltender of the year award. Interesting side note, Ryan Miller also won the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Award for his work in the AHL. The crease is busy right now, however, Jake Allen may find himself in that crease come October as the Blues decide their goaltending future.