Ken Hitchcock is planning on Brian Elliott being the starting netminder for the Blues in 2014-15. That point may have been assumed by most Blues fans, but Hitchcock’s comments make it sound like the split between Elliott and Jake Allen won’t be as close as some may believe.
As seen in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (it’s a “premium” article), Hitchcock reiterates that Elliott is the main man in net.
“Well, this is Brian Elliott’s job. He’s earned it as the incumbent. Then our belief is that both guys are going to be able to play and help us. But this is Brian’s job, he’s earned the right, he’s improved every year, he’s waited patiently … it’s his turn. And then Jake is going to get his games in obviously, but this is Brian’s job to start the season.”
A 60-40 split between Elliott and Allen sounded like a plausible plan heading into 2014-15, but Hitchcock makes it sound like Elliott has a firm grip on the starting job and Allen will have to fight for time. Based on his comments, a 70-30 split (or something close to it) may be the plan heading into the new season.
Of course, any planned split in time is just that – a plan. Things change. Elliott may struggle out of the gate and Allen may shine, resulting in a more even split the rest of the year.
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