Blues' Elliott will return to Ottawa as NHL all-star - STLtoday.com

BY JEREMY RUTHERFORD STLtoday.com | Posted: Thursday, January 12, 2012 12:25 pm |

The Brian Elliott story just added another big chapter, one that will add some drama to the 2012 NHL all-star game.

Elliott has been selected by the NHL hockey operations committee as the Blues' lone representative at the all-star game, which will be played Jan. 29 in Ottawa. That means Elliott will be returning to the city where he started his career and then was given up on when Senators traded him last season to Colorado.

The Avalanche, likewise, gave up on Elliott, electing not to make him a qualifying offer last summer, turning him into an unrestricted free-agent. The Blues were looking for a backup goaltender, and with few options, Elliott signed a one-year, two-way contract for $600,000 in the NHL and $105,000 in the American Hockey League.

It's been perhaps the best bargain the NHL this season, considering that Elliott is 15-5 with a 1.62 goals-against average, a .940 save-percentage and five shutouts. His GAA, save-percentage and shutouts all rank second in the league.

While Jaroslav Halak has been very good the past two months, putting together a mark of 7-0-3 in his last 10 games, the Blues would not be in a position to be battling Vancouver for first place in the Western Conference tonight if not for Elliott's performance this season.

"Brian has been a key player for this team and he deserves this honor," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said in a statement. "He's a true professional and the St. Louis Blues are proud to have him represent the organization at this year's All-Star Game."

Perhaps fittingly, it will be Elliott in net tonight against the Canucks, looking to extend the Blues' shutout streak of 146, 6 seconds.

The NHL recently released the officials rosters for the all-star game. Captains will be selected soon and they will pick the teams at the fantasy draft on Jan. 26.

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TONIGHT'S LINEUP

Forwards

David Perron-David Backes-Chris Stewart

Matt D'Agostini-Patrik Berglund-T.J. Oshie

Vladimir Sobotka-Jason Arnott-Jamie Langenbrunner

B.J. Crombeen-Scott Nichol-Ryan Reaves

Defensemen

Carlo Colaiacovo-Alex Pietrangelo

Ian Cole-Kevin Shattenkirk

Cade Fairchild-Roman Polak

Goalie

Brian Elliott

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JACKMAN, STEEN UPDATES

Both Barret Jackman and Alex Steen skated this morning, but neither will play tonight. Blues coach Ken Hitchcock told reporters that each could be back as soon as Saturday's game against Minnesota.

Jackman was injured in the second period of Tuesday's 3-0 win over Montreal when he was hit by the Canadiens' PK Subban and crashed awkwardly into the boards.

The Blues will miss Jackman's physicality tonight when they face the Canucks.

"(Ian) Cole has that element, though," Hitchcock said. "Cole plays reckless. He's not fun to play against. He got better and better as the (Montreal) game went on."

Steen (concussion) passed his baseline test while the Blues were in Montreal and skated Wednesday by himself. He was on the ice with the team today, but it was only a morning skate. By skipping tonight's game, Steen will get a full practice in with the club Friday, giving him a full indicator on how he feels. 

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FIGHTING MAJORS DOWN

Kevin Allen of USA TODAY wrote a good story today about the decrease in fighting majors this season, including a 60 percent dropoff for the Blues from 2010-11.

"I think the one-dimensional players who fill this particular role are less involved in the game," Blues GM Doug Armstrong said in Allen's article.

The Blues ranked No. 1 in the NHL in fighting majors last season with 78. According to Hockeyfights.com, the Blues are 18th in the league with 15 majors heading into tonight's game against Vancouver. (The New York Rangers are currently No. 1 with 32).

Blues' fighting majors this season:

Ryan Reaves (6)

Scott Nichol (4)

Barret Jackman (2)

B.J. Crombeen (1)

Roman Polak (1)

Chris Stewart (1)

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ODDS & ENDS

- The Blues will have a moment of silence before tonight's game to pay tribute to former general manager Ron Caron, who died Monday night at age 82.

- David Backes has scored in three straight games and has a four-game point streak (3 goals, 3 assists) heading into tonight's game against Vancouver.

- The Blues recalled defensemen Cade Fairchild from Peoria Wednesday and sent forward Evgeny Grachev to the Rivermen.