DCHL Portal

Just seven games into the season, and a surprising story is already beginning to develop in the desert. While it was expected that young netminder, Jake Oettinger, was going to control the crease this season, Jake Allen is showing the DCHL that he is still has plenty in the tank.

In his first four games, Oettinger has gone 1-2-1 with a GAA of 2.94 and SV% of 89.38%. Certainly not that start that he or the Coyotes were hoping for.

It wasnt until Dave Tippett gave the nod to veteran Jake Allen, that the Coyotes were able to get back on track. In his three starts, Allen has gone 3-0-0 with a GAA of 1.33 and SV% of 95.51%, both third best in the league. While the sample size is small, it is comforting knowing that all pressure isn't soley on the shoulder of their young star.

The team also seems to be playing better infront of Allen. Their powerplay has jumped from 5.45% to 24% and their penalty-kill from 70.59% to 83.87%. Hopefully the team can continue to build off of this momentum as the Coyotes take on the league leading Chicago Blackhawks.

Look for the Coyotes to once again turn to Jake Allen as Dave Tippett looks to ride the hot netminder. Allen will be looking to showcase all he's got this season as he looks to hit the free agent market this off season.