ST. LOUIS -- Goaltender Brian Elliott was the lone selection from the St. Louis Blues for the 2012 NHL All-Star Game, the league announced Thursday.
The 26-year-old Elliott is 15-5, ranking second among all goaltenders with a 1.62 goals-against average, .940 save percentage and career-high tying five shutouts.
Blues captain David Backes was not selected to the team despite leading the team in scoring (14 goals, 31 points). Backes has become one of the best power forwards in the NHL and is valuable in all situations.
Among goalies with at last 20 starts, Elliott has surrendered a league-low 33 goals and has the NHL's best home record (9-1).
"Brian has been a key player for this team and he deserves this honor," Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong said. "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."
The NHL All-Star Game is set for 3 p.m. Jan. 29 at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario and will be televised by the NBC Sports Network (formerly Versus). The annual SuperSkills competition is 6 p.m. Jan. 28 and also will be televised by the NBC Sports Network.
Blues Injury Update
Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said Thursday morning that defenseman Barret Jackman (hip injury) and Alex Steen (concussion-like symptoms) both will miss tonight's game against the Vancouver Canucks.
Hitchcock expects both players to be ready for Saturday night's home game against the Minnesota Wild. Both will be reevaluated after a full practice on Friday.
Jackman skated a bit before practice, but didn't stay on the ice for the morning skate.
"He'll play Saturday probably, but he's not ready for tonight and Steen...same thing," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. "He feels OK, but he wants to have a full practice with us (Friday), so he'll play again Saturday. It will be good to get those guys back on the weekend."
Steen is expected to miss his seventh straight game tonight against Vancouver.
"He's got no issues now, but we really haven't had a practice," Hitchcock said Thursday morning. "Having him get a good skate with the group tomorrow will be good for us and getting him back in is going to be a huge boost for everybody. I'm looking forward to it."
For more Blues coverage, see Friday's News-Democrat or visit www.bnd.com.
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