The St. Louis Blues recognize good talent when they see it. That's why they signed goalkeeper Brian Elliott to a 2-year, $3.6 million deal ahead of the All-Star break. He's having a career rebirth in St. Louis and now he will be around at least two more seasons past this one.
Elliott has been with the team for just one season and has already impressed. He is currently second in the NHL in goals against average with 1.68 over 21 starts. He's second in the NHL with five shutouts.
The Blues have an over-abundance of goalkeeping talent. Jaroslav Halak isn't far behind his fellow netminder. He has a 2.08 goals against average which ranks seventh in the NHL. His four shutouts are are good enough for third place.
The tandem seem to be of one mind. They were born less than six weeks apart in 1985. Both were also selected by Canadian teams in the 2003 draft in the ninth round. Halak was the 271st overall pick to the Montreal Canadiens. Elliott was the 291st overall pick to the Ottawa Senators.
Both men are also having career years in St. Louis. Halak's GAA hasn't been this low since he played just six games in the 2007-2008 season with a 2.11 GAA. Elliott has never been below a 2.57 goals against since his rookie year when he played just one game and gave up one goal.
Getting their goaltenders up to snuff before huge road trips in February and March will be critical to the Blues' success and possible playoff seeding. Although talk of the playoffs is a bit premature before the All-Star Game at the end of January, the Blues are in first place with 62 points and the best record in the NHL as of Jan. 19.
When the Blues go on the road to face teams like the Chicago Blackhawks in March, having a steady eye in goal will be one of the key aspects of winning. One plus to having good goalkeepers behind you is that it gives the five guys on the ice confidence they can play their style of hockey and win the game. Having peace of mind at center ice is vital when teams try to spread out the ice and score goals.
Hence the Elliott and Halak show in St. Louis can keep going for as long as it can.
William Browning was born in St. Louis and has been a lifelong Blues fan.
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