Brian Elliott went down with a lower body injury the night that Jake Allen came off of IR. Allen has started every game since, and has played well, but the Western Canada road trip has gotten off to a hellacious start. The Blues have surrendered 11 goals in the last two games while exploding for eight. Usually eight goals in two games'll get you something, but Allen needs a break.
Perfect timing, then, that Brian Elliott will be back in net against the Vancouver Canucks.
"He feels good, no issues. It couldn’t come at a better time for both guys to be ready to play for us," Hitchcock said. "Ells will get the start on Saturday night and we’ll go from there."
That means exactly what you think it means: no one has any clue who the playoff starter is right now.
"I started the season wanting it to play out and it’s played out both ways," Hitchcock said. "I think after (these remaining) 10 games, I’m going to figure it out. But I don’t think I’m in a position based on both guys’ health to announce anything to anybody other than let’s play, let’s get some games in for everybody and see how we look.
"The feeling is we’ve had to use two goalies, and we might have to use two goalies again, we’re not sure," Hitchcock added. "I know I’m going to have to make a decision sooner or later here, but I’m not in a position to make it right now."
To be honest, both goaltenders have played exceptionally well, and it is too early for Hitchcock to make a decision about the playoff starter. They still have ten games left. Hopefully getting Elliott back in net will help them salvage a couple points in Canada and solidify the top spot in a division where apparently no one wants to be number one.
The Blues've had a chance to add space between themselves and the competition and have faltered. With Elliott back, hopefully they can get back on track.