It’s not often that a team’s MVP is a backup goaltender with
a two-way contract, and a salary of $600,000, but the Blues experienced this
phenomenon when they signed free agent goaltender Brian Elliott in the
offseason.
The Brian Elliott story has been intriguing to say the least,
as he went from barely making the team out of camp to leading the league in
goals-against average and save percentage, and winning over the fan’s hearts by
playing a significant role in the Blues’ playoff berth. Now Elliott has added another chapter to this
marvelous story, and the Blues and fans are hopeful it’s a long one.
Of course, the referenced chapter is the NHL’s Stanley Cup
Playoffs.
The Blues’ are now on the verge of punching their ticket to
advance to the second round for the first time since the NHL’s 2005
lockout. They currently lead the Sharks
three games to one, and are hoping that Saturday’s game five is the series
finale. The Blues’ goaltending has been
the biggest story thus far in the playoffs, but it has also been a bit of an
unusual one.
Goaltender Jaroslav Halak was supposed to lead the Blues to
a first round victory, but was sidelined in game two with an ankle injury,
giving Brian Elliott another chance to shine.
This is not the first time Elliott has made the most of an opportunity
to shine, as he was thrown into a similar situation when Halak struggled
earlier in the season.
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| Photo taken by Scott Neer of TSNPhotography |
Brian Elliott has shown once again why he is deserving of the Blues’ starting goaltender role, leading them to three straight victories while amassing a 1.51 goals-against-average along with a .944 save percentage, stopping 67 of the 71 shots he’s faced. Elliott has been lights out, picking up where he left off at the regular season’s end, and providing no opportunity for the Sharks to strike.
It is easy to understand why the Blues are up three to one
in this series when you a look at the goaltending numbers. In game one, Antti Niemi was phenomenal, but
he has cooled off since then, and has been inconsistent. The Sharks’ and Antti Niemi are allowing an
average of 2.75 goals-per game versus the Blues’ and Elliott’s 1.75. This stat is arguably the difference maker in
the series as the Blues have won two of their three games by a one goal
margin. It’s pretty simple to pinpoint
why the Sharks’ are unable to win, and their problem is solving Brian Elliott.
The odds are against the Sharks, as Elliott found a way to
win in 23 of his 37 regular season starts, a success rate of 62 percent. “Backup” goaltenders rarely see as much time
as Elliott did this season, and he was able to make the most of his
opportunity. The Blues’ inked Elliott to
a contract extension, displaying their confidence in him, and now Elliott
receives a glorious opportunity to prove himself worthy of the starting
role. Head coach Ken Hitchcock decided
to allow Halak to start the first two playoff games, but Halak’s recent injury
has given Elliott a chance to perform under the spotlight. Should the Blues advance to the second round,
Elliott will be the Blues’ MVP of the first round, and will have proven once
again why he is a top goaltender.
The next big question is what happens when Jaroslav Halak
returns from injury? It would be silly
to discuss this topic in great detail as no one knows when/if Halak will
return, but I can guarantee one thing:
Hitchcock will be forced to consider sticking with Elliott for as long
as he remains stellar in net.
Elliott has been arguably the NHL’S greatest story of the
year. He has battled for a spot all
year, and has earned the right to play on in the postseason. Elliott has shown no sign of decline, and one
has to wonder whether or not Elliott will be the one to lead the Blues on a
long playoff journey.