GDT #49: 1/18/16 | 7:00PM CST | v Penguins | NBCSN/KMOX

[Robb_K]

What kind of flimsy sticks are they using now - that split on just a routine pass??? I'll admit that I'm so old I only ever used a pure wood stick, but things are getting ridiculous now. I understand how composites can shatter on a slapper or a hard hit to another stick - but, a routine pass???

[Robb_K]

Brouwer scores!!!! Blues lead 3-2!!!!

[Robb_K]

The Blues can widen their lead on this power play! Let's DO it!!!

[Robb_K]

Man! The Blues are ALREADY trying to sit on that 1-goal lead with over 12 minutes left. BAD strategy. They are just dumping the puck aimlessly to the neutral zone just to ease the pressure. I thought we are a "puck possession" team.

[Robb_K]

Stastny rifles the puck into the net!!! Blues lead 4-2!!!

[Robb_K]

The DREADED 2-goal lead! Can we survive 7 minutes of it???

[Robb_K]

Not only has Stastny scored 3 points, but he's made 3 stellar defensive plays, as well. He's on fire! I hope he keeps it up all the way through the playoffs.

[Robb_K]

Shattenkirk seals it with the empty-netter. Good patience by The Blues to not just flip the puck out of their zone!

Great win!!!

[evil roy]

Not only has Stastny scored 4 points, but he's made 3 stellar defensive plays, as well. He's on fire! I hope he keeps it up all the way through the playoffs.

FTFY

[Krigloch the Furious]

Elliott, still a badass.
38 shots? Shit's getting old.
Offense looked pretty good at times.

[Oaklandblue]

Given that there is now a long-stated pattern, can we once and for all admit that Brian Elliott is the real deal and not just some fly by night like he's been treated?

[ecbm]

Elliott, still a badass.
38 shots? Shit's getting old.
Offense looked pretty good at times.

87 shots in 2 games. Gotta get that under control.

Given that there is now a long-stated pattern, can we once and for all admit that Brian Elliott is the real deal and not just some fly by night like he's been treated?

He's a very good goaltender who will get a shot to start again in his career. When he's on, he's brilliant. He just needs to find long-term consistency to be a team's cornerstone. He's far from old for a goalie. I just don't think he has a future in StL due to Allen's emergence and cap constraints. No malice or judgment in it.

[gaijin]

Elliott, still a badass.
38 shots? Shit's getting old.
Offense looked pretty good at times.

87 shots in 2 games. Gotta get that under control.

Given that there is now a long-stated pattern, can we once and for all admit that Brian Elliott is the real deal and not just some fly by night like he's been treated?

He's a very good goaltender who will get a shot to start again in his career. When he's on, he's brilliant. He just needs to find long-term consistency to be a team's cornerstone. He's far from old for a goalie. I just don't think he has a future in StL due to Allen's emergence and cap constraints. No malice or judgment in it.

I don't think Allen's emergence has been that spectacular. He's been good most of the time, yes, but he's also been bad at other times. I really don't see much difference between his performance and Elliott's performance, to be honest.

But I do think you are right- it's going to be a matter of cap space more than anything else- If Goalie A and Goalie B perform the same, but one costs less than the other...

[cardsfan04]

Elliott, still a badass.
38 shots? Shit's getting old.
Offense looked pretty good at times.

87 shots in 2 games. Gotta get that under control.

Given that there is now a long-stated pattern, can we once and for all admit that Brian Elliott is the real deal and not just some fly by night like he's been treated?

He's a very good goaltender who will get a shot to start again in his career. When he's on, he's brilliant. He just needs to find long-term consistency to be a team's cornerstone. He's far from old for a goalie. I just don't think he has a future in StL due to Allen's emergence and cap constraints. No malice or judgment in it.

I don't think Allen's emergence has been that spectacular. He's been good most of the time, yes, but he's also been bad at other times. I really don't see much difference between his performance and Elliott's performance, to be honest.

But I do think you are right- it's going to be a matter of cap space more than anything else- If Goalie A and Goalie B perform the same, but one costs less than the other...

I disagree with Allen not being better than Elliott. I do think he has been better for the most part, not that Elliott has been bad. But, more than the money and what they're doing right now, I think Allen is still on an upward trajectory toward his potential. Elliott is very good and I'd be happy with a goalie of his caliber starting for us. I don't think he's going to get better than he already is though.

[Kreegz2]

What kind of flimsy sticks are they using now - that split on just a routine pass??? I'll admit that I'm so old I only ever used a pure wood stick, but things are getting ridiculous now. I understand how composites can shatter on a slapper or a hard hit to another stick - but, a routine pass???

Whenever you see a stick break on an innocent looking pass/shot, It's likely that it was damaged on a previous shift and developed a weak point. Often the players will notice it and switch out sticks between shifts but sometimes they don't notice and go back out with the weakened stick.

[glen a richter]

I've said it before... this team's long term plan--whether they say it or not--is to get Husso over here in a few years and he'll be the clear cut #1. Elliott, Allen, Binnington, Copley, Orpilka, these guys are merely holding spaces until Husso is ready. Allen may stick as the backup to him, but I'm more inclined to think it'll be Husso 1, some UFA backup 2.

[goon attack]

Ok... we get it. You have a broner for Husso.

[The Flake]

Elliott, still a badass.
38 shots? Shit's getting old.
Offense looked pretty good at times.

87 shots in 2 games. Gotta get that under control.

Given that there is now a long-stated pattern, can we once and for all admit that Brian Elliott is the real deal and not just some fly by night like he's been treated?

He's a very good goaltender who will get a shot to start again in his career. When he's on, he's brilliant. He just needs to find long-term consistency to be a team's cornerstone. He's far from old for a goalie. I just don't think he has a future in StL due to Allen's emergence and cap constraints. No malice or judgment in it.

I don't think Allen's emergence has been that spectacular. He's been good most of the time, yes, but he's also been bad at other times. I really don't see much difference between his performance and Elliott's performance, to be honest.

But I do think you are right- it's going to be a matter of cap space more than anything else- If Goalie A and Goalie B perform the same, but one costs less than the other...

I disagree with Allen not being better than Elliott. I do think he has been better for the most part, not that Elliott has been bad. But, more than the money and what they're doing right now, I think Allen is still on an upward trajectory toward his potential. Elliott is very good and I'd be happy with a goalie of his caliber starting for us. I don't think he's going to get better than he already is though.

Gotta say...I disagree with this assessment of talent. I think Elliott has more talent and has much more experience than Allen...both. When they are both playing at the top of their respective games, I give the nod to Elliott hands down.

I was against the Bishop trade but I could give a crap if Allen is on this team or not. I've said it before, I don't think he has what it takes to be a true number one for a contending team. I hope Ells plays his butt off over the next few games and they have no choice but to give the reigns back to him long term.

[glen a richter]

I like Ells and all, but I don't trust him long term. Between how much depth this team has at D and the availablity, I'm certain, of a formidable, cheaper #2 as a UFA in the offseason, the time is right to trade ol' Elliott and his contract in the offseason. He does have a 2.5 mil cap hit. If he was the definitive #1, I'd say cool, but he's not. #2's can be found cheaper and the money will be important for renewing more vital contracts like, for example, Jaden Schwartz.

[The Flake]

I like Ells and all, but I don't trust him long term. Between how much depth this team has at D and the availablity, I'm certain, of a formidable, cheaper #2 as a UFA in the offseason, the time is right to trade ol' Elliott and his contract in the offseason. He does have a 2.5 mil cap hit. If he was the definitive #1, I'd say cool, but he's not. #2's can be found cheaper and the money will be important for renewing more vital contracts like, for example, Jaden Schwartz.

Ol' Ells is 30 yrs old and in his prime if you ask me. Just now hitting his stride as a goalie. His numbers for St. Louis over the last five year stretch have been: .923 Sv% ,2.04 GAA and 21 SO. Name the goalies who have better numbers over that 5 year stretch and have played at least 100 games. I bet you'll be surprised who does and doesn't make the list. Any takers?

Give you a few pcs. of info....Elliott is #5 in Sv%, #1 in GAA and #8 in SO overall in the league using those parameters. Your team is built from the net out and until the Blues can acquire someone name Price, Quick, Lundqvist or Rinne I'd like to pony up please and keep Ol' Ells as long as he'll stay.

They need to shed someone else in order to sign Schwartz.