Jake Allen to start for Blues in Game 1 vs. Wild

The Minnesota Wild was in near shambles in mid-January. But then a trade for Devan Dubnyk sparked a miraculous turnaround that has them standing with the edge over St. Louis in the goaltending department.

Jeff Simmons April 15, 2015, 1:10 PM

The St. Louis Blues are riding the hot hand heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

While there was some uncertainty surrounding their goalie situation, Blues netminder Jake Allen told reporters Wednesday that he will start against the Minnesota Wild in Game 1.

Allen confirms that he is the starter. #stlblues

— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) April 15, 2015

The 24-year-old Allen, who started four of St. Louis’ final six regular season games, is 4-1-1 in his last six starts. He posted a .913 save percentage and 2.28 goals-against average in 37 games this season.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS: | Broadcast Schedule
Rogers GameCentre LIVE | Stanley Cup Playoffs Fantasy Hockey
New Sportsnet app: iTunes | Google Play

Allen will start in place of veteran Brian Elliott, who slumped down the stretch. Elliott allowed three goals or more in four of his final five starts of the season.

The 30-year-old has a career .898 save percentage in 18 career playoff games with the Blues and Ottawa Senators. Allen has never made a playoff start.

The Blues and Wild kick off their best-of-seven series Thursday night in St. Louis.