St. Louis Blues to start Jaroslav Halak in Game One of Western Conference Playoff Quarterfinals –NHL
St. Louis Blues were having trouble deciding whether to play Jaroslav Halak or Brian Elliott in net for game one of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Western Conference playoff quarterfinals against San Jose Sharks, but now, it clearly looks like a decision
has finally been made.
Blues have decided to send in Halak to start of the first postseason game, which is crucial as they enter as the second seed and have high expectations from this series.
Brian Elliott, also an elite goal of St. Louis as he and Halak recorded over 15 shutouts during the 2011-2012 NHL regular season, was injured during practice on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, and did not make it on Wednesday.
His upper-body injury is termed to be minor in nature but St. Louis did not want to risk aggravating it any further and will allow him as much rest as possible, unless the situation gets out of hand.
St. Louis Blues head coach, Ken Hitchcock, announced on Wednesday that Halak will be starting but if needed, Elliott would be available on standby for any unexpected situation.
"It made the decision pretty easy, so we'll start with Jaro and like everything else, hope for the best," Hitchcock said after the team’s Wednesday practice.
Another reason for using Halak is his playoff experience. The veteran goalie managed to get Montreal Canadiens into the Stanley Cup Finals a little over two years ago and was a huge factor in them defeating teams like Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.
"I've said this before, playoff experience is only good if you use it and you're good at it," said Hitchcock about Halak. "I've seen lots of guys have playoff experience and no success. So to me, I can't tell you that until we're finished in the playoffs."
In order to avoid any issues which could arise with having to play Elliott, Hitchcock also has a backup plan as he recalled Jake Allen from the American Hockey League (NHL) a day earlier to substitute if needed.
St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks will be facing off for their first playoff game on Thursday, April 12.
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