Halak Starts; How Far Off is Elliott?

It’s a problem that every coach and GM would love to have: two sub-2.00 GAA goalies ready to start the playoffs.  Unfortunately for the Blues, injuries may have dictated that their second choice lead the team out for the playoff opener at home against the Sharks.

Jaroslav Halak hardly stumbled down the stretch but his .890 SV% and 3.21 GAA over his last 4 starts pales in comparison to Brian Elliott’s 3 straight shutouts to close out March.  Elliott was ruled out of the opener at Wednesday’s practice with Ken Hitchcock citing an unspecified upper body injury and the Blues recalled Jake Allen.  However, Hitchcock still hopes that Elliott can dress for tonight’s game as the back-up.

The Blues won the 4-game season series against the Sharks and outscored them 11-3 including two home shutouts – one by each of the Blues’ formidable starters.