“He’s been a good goalie in the league for a long time. I think it was an unfortunate circumstance. I’m glad he got picked up.”

Allen knows all about nightmare starts, the ones where you feel like a target in a video game. He was pulled late in the first period two Sundays ago after yielding three goals against Vancouver. Granted, the first of those three was an ultra-fluky goal that bounced off the glass above the end boards, then struck Allen from behind and went into the net.

“That was weird,” Allen said. “I had to watch it after the game a couple times to see what actually happened. I don’t know what to say, it’s just a lucky bounce. It’s just unfortunate. Hit me square in the back, perfect spot. Anywhere else, maybe it doesn’t carom straight into the net.”

As for getting pulled against the Canucks, Allen shrugged: “It’s all the coach’s decision. It’s gonna happen lots more in my career. It’s all right.”

Sure enough, it happened just a week later. After strong outings in 4-3 victories over Florida and Colorado, Allen was pulled after allowing four goals in the first period last Sunday against Calgary. That was a game in which the entire Blues squad appeared to be sleepwalking in the opening period. Berube said as much afterward.