Brian Elliott to start again for St. Louis Blues in Game 4 against San Jose Sharks-NHL Playoffs Update
With the announcement of Jaroslav Halak being ruled out, Brian Elliott will be starting for the second straight time as St. Louis Blues aim to put San Jose Sharks on the verge of elimination going into game 4 of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley
Cup Playoffs Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Halak is slowly improving as he participated with the team during their practice session on Monday, but has not been able to fully take part after that incident when teammate, Barret Jackman, accidently collided with his during game 2.
"He was on the ice, but he's not going to be available to practice full tomorrow or to back up on Thursday," St. Louis Blues head coach, Ken Hitchcock, said.
Elliott has been playing exceptionally well since being given total control of the St. Louis goaltending as he fought off San Jose for a 3-0 shutout in game 2 and kept Sharks at bay in the next with the intentions of staying hot in game 4 as well.
"That's to be proved, I guess," Elliott said. "It's just an opportunity to get in there and help the guys. I'm not really looking at anything differently than that."
For coach Ken Hitchcock, having Brian Elliott in the net is something that allows him to breathe easier since the goalie has enough experience now in the postseason to take Blues all the way.
"I don't want to say it's easier to play in the playoffs, but I think it is easier because you're not traveling as much," Hitchcock said. "You know the opponent, you get lots of rest. It is easier. It's easier – the stress and everything's there – but I
think it's the travel that kicks you hard.
So far in the postseason, Brian Elliott has a save percentage of .935 along with a 1.82 goals against average and has faced a total of 46 shots as of yet.
St. Louis Blues are focused on making history and how Brian Elliott managed to lead them towards that during the regular season, seeing him do it now again would not be surprising at all.
Game 4 between St. Louis and San Jose is scheduled for Thursday, April 19, 2012, at the HP Pavilion.
Tags: