GDT #60: 2/18/16 | 7:00PM CST | v Kings | FSMW/KMOX

[cprice12]

Ugly game, but beautiful win. I'll take it! Another 2 points with Ptetrangelo out.

I didn't see it as an ugly game at all. I thought it was a very exciting game and a well played game...for the most part...even though they gave up a lot of shots.
And yeah, the Blues only scored once in regulation, but so did the Kings...both sides got stellar goaltending. You could say without either team's fantastic net play, either team would have had/could have had 4 goals and won easily.

It was just a fantastic goaltender battle if you ask me. And sometimes those are the best games.

I don't think the win is blinding me on this...but last night the Blues were head and shoulders better than the other games recently where they only put in a goal or two. They played tough, they played hard, they played very well in our own zone and denied the Kings of a lot...which may sound odd because we gave up 35 or whatever shots, but we did...we played a real good game in our own end and we also generated a lot of good chances in the offensive zone. We hit a couple posts as well...and I think LA had a post on Elliott too.

I think this was just a good, solid, hard fought 2-1 OT win against a really good Kings team.

The only real complaint I had in the game was our 5 on 3 strategy. I'll give the Kings credit for taking away the stuff down low, they did a good job with that. But, with that said, we have to work it around enough to open up a passing lane down low. I know they really tried to move it around, but it wasn't effective as their only shots came from the point.

[tjk002]

Ugly game, but beautiful win. I'll take it! Another 2 points with Ptetrangelo out.

I didn't see it as an ugly game at all. I thought it was a very exciting game and a well played game...for the most part...even though they gave up a lot of shots.
And yeah, the Blues only scored once in regulation, but so did the Kings...both sides got stellar goaltending. You could say without either team's fantastic net play, either team would have had/could have had 4 goals and won easily.

It was just a fantastic goaltender battle if you ask me. And sometimes those are the best games.

I don't think the win is blinding me on this...but last night the Blues were head and shoulders better than the other games recently where they only put in a goal or two. They played tough, they played hard, they played very well in our own zone and denied the Kings of a lot...which may sound odd because we gave up 35 or whatever shots, but we did...we played a real good game in our own end and we also generated a lot of good chances in the offensive zone. We hit a couple posts as well...and I think LA had a post on Elliott too.

I think this was just a good, solid, hard fought 2-1 OT win against a really good Kings team.

The only real complaint I had in the game was our 5 on 3 strategy. I'll give the Kings credit for taking away the stuff down low, they did a good job with that. But, with that said, we have to work it around enough to open up a passing lane down low. I know they really tried to move it around, but it wasn't effective as their only shots came from the point.

One of the most entertaining games of the year. Good physical play by both sides. Loved that Bertuzzo stepped up for Vlad, love the tough hard school game that Edmunson plays as well.

[The Flake]

One of the best played games all year. Lots of action, energy and team effort.

I know Hitch doesn't want to talk about it but I sure do. How about Elliott's play since Allen got injured. Pretty amazing huh? You think he wants the reigns back?

Season statistics for Allen and Elliott
Brian Elliott 32gp 16 7 6 1.99 .934 1SO
Jake Allen 33gp 18 10 3 2.17 .924 5SO

So Elliott's individual numbers are better but Jake has more wins with almost the same amount of games played. I think this is the ultimate example of 1A & 1B goaltending tandem.

So who takes us into the playoffs?

[ecbm]

So who takes us into the playoffs?

Pick your squad based on quality and your team based on form. Elliott stays in until he cools at least slightly from "white-hot stellar core" level.

[cprice12]

So who takes us into the playoffs?

Pick your squad based on quality and your team based on form. Elliott stays in until he cools at least slightly from "white-hot stellar core" level.

You give it to Elliott. Period. He is the guy. And you don't back off that, even if Elliott has a couple poor games. Maybe you give Allen the start after a poor Elliott start, but then you put Elliott right back out there.

He only leads the entire NHL in GAA and Save% this year. Which is nothing new really. He leads the NHL in GAA and Save % since he has been a Blue.
Allen gets time in net only to give Elliott a rest (if needed) and to get a bit of work in in case he is needed at some point.

Hitchock wont' say it, but that is his plan. It has to be. It had better be.

And that's not a knock on Allen. He played great before he got hurt. But Elliott has been better. So he is the guy.

I don't even see it as a debate. The choice is soooo obvious.

[cardsfan04]

So who takes us into the playoffs?

Pick your squad based on quality and your team based on form. Elliott stays in until he cools at least slightly from "white-hot stellar core" level.

You give it to Elliott. Period. He is the guy. And you don't back off that, even if Elliott has a couple poor games. Maybe you give Allen the start after a poor Elliott start, but then you put Elliott right back out there.

He only leads the entire NHL in GAA and Save% this year. Which is nothing new really. He leads the NHL in GAA and Save % since he has been a Blue.
Allen gets time in net only to give Elliott a rest (if needed) and to get a bit of work in in case he is needed at some point.

Hitchock wont' say it, but that is his plan. It has to be. It had better be.

And that's not a knock on Allen. He played great before he got hurt. But Elliott has been better. So he is the guy.

I don't even see it as a debate. The choice is soooo obvious.

Yeah. I mean, I don't think we need to pick our playoff goalie in February. But, Allen has to have lost his job at this point. Even a week or two ago I wasn't really there on giving it Elliott when Allen comes back. But, you have to I think. We'll see what March and April bring, but you don't mess with how Elliott is playing right now.

If Allen comes back today, he has to be the backup. I'm not even sure I'd give him 1B status until necessary. Next year you hope Allen re-wins the job, because he's the future in goal, not Elliott. But, this isn't next year. This is this year. You ride the hot goalie as long as you possible can, and hopefully that's to a parade down Market Street.

[Fradi]

If it wasnt for great goalie play, this team would be awful.
but... if the Blues had a good coach, they would be great.

Spot on! This should be our slogan.

[dmiles2186]

It is nice to have two bona fide goalies (at a nice discount too), but man, it's getting old doing this thing every year where one goalie is amazing, gets hurt, then the other takes over and that leaves the coach w/ a monumental decision come playoff time. Elliott right now is NHL level elite. I dare to say that if he keeps this up, Elliott might be 2016's version of 2015 Dubnyk.

It begs the question: Is Brian Elliott the greatest goalie in Blues history? I was thinking this last night after the game. He's had such a unique history. He's been the guy, he hasn't been the guy. He's had to scratch and claw for every single start he's made with this club. He's had unfortunate injuries and then been usurped by the other goalie, he's been a victim of the club caving into the 'WE NEED A BONA FIDE #1!!!' narrative and taking a backseat to Ryan Miller. The thing throughout it all is that I've never heard him once complain about the way he's been yanked around. So to lead the NHL in GAA and Sv% in his time with the Blues, to be the franchise's all time leader in shutouts....I think I'd almost have to put him up there as #1 overall.

[cprice12]

It is nice to have two bona fide goalies (at a nice discount too), but man, it's getting old doing this thing every year where one goalie is amazing, gets hurt, then the other takes over and that leaves the coach w/ a monumental decision come playoff time. Elliott right now is NHL level elite. I dare to say that if he keeps this up, Elliott might be 2016's version of 2015 Dubnyk.

It begs the question: Is Brian Elliott the greatest goalie in Blues history? I was thinking this last night after the game. He's had such a unique history. He's been the guy, he hasn't been the guy. He's had to scratch and claw for every single start he's made with this club. He's had unfortunate injuries and then been usurped by the other goalie, he's been a victim of the club caving into the 'WE NEED A BONA FIDE #1!!!' narrative and taking a backseat to Ryan Miller. The thing throughout it all is that I've never heard him once complain about the way he's been yanked around. So to lead the NHL in GAA and Sv% in his time with the Blues, to be the franchise's all time leader in shutouts....I think I'd almost have to put him up there as #1 overall.

He is the Blues all time leader in GAA, Save% and shutouts and leads the entire NHL in GAA and Save% since he arrived in St. Louis and leads the NHL in GAA & Save% this season.
That's one hell of a resume since he arrived here.

It's hard to argue against him being the best Blues goalie of all time. Comparing goalies from different eras is tough. But it's not like the sample size is small...he is 5th in games played for the Blues.

And it's hard to imagine that when a youngster comes back from injury, that said youngster would take any significant playing time away from Elliott. The mere thought of that is just crazy.

[Krigloch the Furious]

Yep, he's that good. And yet the team can't score.
System has screwed this team. Early playoff boot again.
Players like Backes, Stastny, Pie, and Steen will be hung out to dry by the dumbass fan base that have no clue.
Doesn't matter what players are on this team. Hitch will ruin it all.

Sent from my R2 unit

[cprice12]

Yep, he's that good. And yet the team can't score.
System has screwed this team. Early playoff boot again.
Players like Backes, Stastny, Pie, and Steen will be hung out to dry by the dumbass fan base that have no clue.
Doesn't matter what players are on this team. Hitch will ruin it all.

Sent from my R2 unit

Now tell us how you really feel.

Don't hold back.

[Kreegz2]

So who takes us into the playoffs?

I was firmly in the Elliot camp last year and remain so this year. He has yet to be given the reigns in the playoffs in his 4 previous seasons here, despite playing at a consistently high level. Two of those seasons he was our lone all-star representative and still didn't get the nod in the playoffs. I thought for sure last season was his chance but Hitch went with the hot hand and it ended up burning us.

[gaijin]

This was funny from Ben Frederickson of the P-D: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/ ... 14f25.html

Should Elliott be replaced by his good pal Jake Allen?
...
Hitchock isn’t talking. Recent history shows us the coach has a tell. When it comes to Elliott vs. the other guy, he tends to pick the other guy.

On second thought, that wasn't funny at all. Allen would have to play out of his frickin mind when he returns to warrant taking the starting job back. Elliott has won the crowd over, and that energy can make a huge difference going into the playoffs.

[cprice12]

This was funny from Ben Frederickson of the P-D: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/ ... 14f25.html

Should Elliott be replaced by his good pal Jake Allen?
...
Hitchock isn’t talking. Recent history shows us the coach has a tell. When it comes to Elliott vs. the other guy, he tends to pick the other guy.

On second thought, that wasn't funny at all. Allen would have to play out of his frickin mind when he returns to warrant taking the starting job back. Elliott has won the crowd over, and that energy can make a huge difference going into the playoffs.

Allen shouldn't even play when he returns, except to give Elliott a rest every now and then.
I'm VERY curious to see what happens.
What in the hell has Allen done to warrant having the job handed back to him? He hasn't even played a full season in the NHL as a #1.
There is all kinds of time for Allen to be the #1 guy. But it ain't this year...not right now.

[Toasted Oates]

It's so obvious Brian Elliott should get the nod that Jake Allen will undoubtedly start in the 1st round.

I also can't wait for Bortuzzo to get the scratch when 27 comes back, even though his physicality is a shot of adrenaline for this team every night he plays.

Scott Upshall is perfect on that 4th line. He actually (gasp!) can generate a scoring chance. Really, the line as a whole is fine as it is. Steve Ott looms in March....

I hate Ken Hitchcock.

[glen a richter]

The more I follow Husso, the more I realize that our goalie of the very very near future is not named Allen, Elliott, Binnington or Copley. Husso is just damned good.

[Oaklandblue]

You guys are funny.

A few months ago all I heard was how much Ells sucked and how Allen is ready to take over and Ells should be traded. Last year I heard how much Ells sucked and how Miller was the better netminder. Before that, Halak.

All this time I have said that Ells is the best and got pretty much laughed at. Now everyone decides that Ells may be one of the best netminder to even wear the Note? Seriously, where the hell have you all been? It's been really obvious for the last few years that the issue has been Hitch, is still Hitch and as long as Hitch coaches, will be Hitch. Ever notice how we have a Defense first coach and we can't score on Offense? Yeah, we limit goals, but those limitations handcuff us in the scoring department, and that's not just something I made up, that's been face playoff year, after year, after year. Elliott is the best netminder we got, period. Has been. Will be until Husso comes forward, but Husso is the -future-. Ells is today and our window is right now.

Fact is, put any netminder in the pipes and we will still lose, because that's not the problem. We have stacks of firepower and D-responsible players coming up who are making names for themselves. Offense, we got the people, but we lack the system to succeed. This is where Hitch fails as a coach, where he has failed and always will fail. Mind you, he taught Brett Hull how to play D and they won a Cup, and he seriously thinks making players like Tarasenko play D will help this team win too.

It won't. We need an offense coach. Someone who knows how to make it rain with the firepower we have, because I sense a very different team next year and Hitch strikes me more and more like a Mike Keenan type who needs to go away.

Funny part is, like Ells, I've been advocating firing Hitch for years and got laughed up and down the block. Only teams that have been laughing are the teams like the Kings and Hawks, who rolled through us to win the Cup.

Stop their laughing.

And for those who are in the "Well, if YOU are going to say that, WHO should we hire?" camp? Dave Lowry. Think outside the box, stop signing retreads from yesteryear and bring in someone who can take this team to the next level. I truly believe he can and if we ever win the Cup, it will be with a coach no one expects.

[Oaklandblue]

The more I follow Husso, the more I realize that our goalie of the very very near future is not named Allen, Elliott, Binnington or Copley. Husso is just damned good.

Husso is amazing and has so much upside, it's ridiculous. Of the above group, I'd go Husso with Copley as his backup. Copley is really good but is on a very eh... I won't say bad but not a very good team right now, downstairs.

[dmiles2186]

You guys are funny.

A few months ago all I heard was how much Ells sucked and how Allen is ready to take over and Ells should be traded. Last year I heard how much Ells sucked and how Miller was the better netminder. Before that, Halak.

All this time I have said that Ells is the best and got pretty much laughed at. Now everyone decides that Ells may be one of the best netminder to even wear the Note? Seriously, where the hell have you all been? It's been really obvious for the last few years that the issue has been Hitch, is still Hitch and as long as Hitch coaches, will be Hitch. Ever notice how we have a Defense first coach and we can't score on Offense? Yeah, we limit goals, but those limitations handcuff us in the scoring department, and that's not just something I made up, that's been face playoff year, after year, after year. Elliott is the best netminder we got, period. Has been. Will be until Husso comes forward, but Husso is the -future-. Ells is today and our window is right now.

You cannot deny that Allen was playing at a #1 level this past fall. The numbers supported that. I was never fully on the 'trade Elliott' train, but I understood the logic behind it: his peak value is right now. But my argument for trading him was always: what if Allen gets hurt? We've got no one in reserve to pick up the torch and steady the group. It played out that Elliott was needed but he has, once again, exceeded expectations and is playing at a level that I'd argue he's never played with us before.

Now, over the years Elliott has always been a victim of circumstance (as I mentioned in my post where I asked if Ells was the best Blues goalie ever). Whether it was a badly timed injury, the team investing in Halak or Miller, etc. and giving them the starting gig over Elliott, he's always played second fiddle. But...he's been resilient through it all and to come out the other side and at 31 (or however old he is) reaching levels of play he's never before attained, it's a testament to him.

Last thing he needs to do is prove it in the playoffs, but you can say that about anyone on this roster outside of Tarasenko really.

[cprice12]

You guys are funny.

A few months ago all I heard was how much Ells sucked and how Allen is ready to take over and Ells should be traded. Last year I heard how much Ells sucked and how Miller was the better netminder. Before that, Halak.

Careful.

I have always been an Elliott supporter...well, since his first season here anyway.
At the time of the Miller trade, I supported it because it was Ryan Miller and we took our shot. I liked that gamble. (he didn't cost us that series vs. the Hawks anyway) And by me supporting that trade is not a knock on Elliott. Miller had a fantastic resume, so he got the nod.

Last season when Allen was given the job down the stretch, I supported that as well because Allen was playing out of his mind and he flat out earned it. And combine that with the fact that Elliott struggled for a bit in the 2nd half before Allen took over and it was nothing more than riding the hot hand. Allen was hotter than Dubnyk, but all you hear about down the stretch was Dubnyk because he came out of nowhere and took his team from well out of the playoffs to in the playoffs...while Allen just helped the Blues win the division. (big whoop, right?)

I was a fan of Elliott over Halak. Halak, while putting up good numbers, never really sat 100% well with me...plus, Elliott just played better overall.

I was touting Elliott's resume with us pretty much all of last year in that he has the best GAA and Save% in the NHL since coming here and the best all time for us in those categories, plus is the all-time shutout leader for us.

This year, I wasn't a fan of all of the playing time Allen was getting. We discussed this at length many times on the podcast. Allen was playing great and it was hard to argue him not being the #1. But I also didn't want him to get worn out. Elliott deserved more playing time than he got early in the season.

And he hasn't been given enough opportunties in the playoffs. He has really only been "the guy" for us going into the playoffs once, and he played fantastic vs. LA that year. The other time Halak was the starter going in vs. San Jose, but got hurt early in that series when Elliott took over ended up winning the series before getting swept by LA in Rd. 2.

The comments about Elliott being "mentally soft" and that he "can't handle the #1 job" is complete bullshit. Always has been. Goalies fluctuate up and down. Even the best of the best. Cup winners have great years and down years. But it seems that if we have a goalie who has a less than stellar year here, so many folks wants him traded to make room for the next goalie in the pipeline who is "the future". Hogwash. You know how many times I've heard "so and so is the goalie of the future, we need to make room for him next season" over the past 10 years? I don't like to make statements like that until I get to see them play in the NHL for a good chunk of games because that's a huge jump in talent and you see players not make it all of the time. So as far as I am concerned, right now, Elliott is our guy until he doesn't want to be here anymore, and Allen is our goalie to succeed Elliott whenever that time comes. If someone else comes along to push them, then fine...but that's not even on my radar right now.