Is anyone going to stop Vladimir Tarasenko? It sure doesn't look like it, as he scored the only goal of the game in tonight's 1-0 shutout victory over the New Jersey Devils. He's well on his way to becoming the NHL's first star of the week, two weeks in a row.
Alessandro Seren Rosso interviewed Tarasenko after the New York Rangers, and talked about his goal against the Rangers goalie, Cam Talbot. You can read that interview here.
Jake Allen got the start tonight after Brian Elliott earned a win last night against the New York Rangers. Allen did not disappoint tonight. He registered his second straight shutout, his last coming against the Anaheim Ducks. Allen has now gone 127 minutes and 30 seconds without allowing a goal.
Cory Schneider had a strong game for the Devils, and kept his team in the game, all game long.
The Blues will take on these same New Jersey Devils on Thursday and one would have to guess Allen gets the start in goal.
Both goaltenders have played very well this season, and they are a big part of the teams current six game winning streak, but after two straight shutouts, how can Allen not get the start on Thursday?
It wasn't long ago that if a goalie pitched a shutout, that goalie would start the next game as well, unless it was a back to back and they were tired. Allen has been off since last Thursday, so he should be good to go.
That brings me to the biggest question regarding this year's Blues team. Will it be Jake Allen or Brian Elliott starting for the Blues come playoff time? Allen is coming off a goalie of the year award in the American Hockey League, while Elliott has been posting some incredible numbers over the last three seasons.
It's a toss up for me. Both goalies have the talent to take control and be "the guy" for the Blues. The only thing Allen has over Elliott has to be his longevity. Allen has been playing 50 or more games a season, while Elliott hasn't played more than 40 in a season for the Blues.
Elliott however has the experience of posting spectacular numbers for the Blues in the last three seasons. Comment your opinions below or on twitter @randallritchey.
The Blues have now won their last six games, the longest streak currently in the league. They've done it on the back of their goaltenders and of course, Tarasenko. Tarasenko currently leads the team with 14 points in 12 games for the Blues. Only Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz have more than two goals on the season. Schwartz currently has five on the year. Tarasenko has eight.
If you have any questions, you can reach me at randallritchey@gmail.com.