Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
When a team is as good as the St. Louis Blues, one would think it is a given that they are going far in the playoffs. They have four full lines of great forwards and an amazing defense. Despite having average goalies all season, they still found themselves at or close to a top seed in their division.
Then the playoffs come. This team was only victorious in one series over the past three years, and that was against the San Jose Sharks. They just haven’t been able to get the big win when they need it.
The Blues are currently going with Jake Allen in net. While he is a good goalie, he just doesn’t cut it with competition the NHL playoffs brings. On Saturday night, Allen faced 18 shots. He allowed four goals. The Minnesota Wild did not get a shot off until over 10 minutes into the first period. They scored on that first shot. It was a simple slap shot from behind the circle, and it went off Allen’s glove and into the net.
On the third goal, the puck went in off of his own stick. The fourth and final goal came on a point-blank shot in front of him.
The Blues should talk to Martin Brodeur and see if he is willing to suit up for the rest of the series (only half kidding). They were willing to shoot for the moon last season when they traded for Ryan Miller at the deadline. They at least showed they were willing to fix their biggest flaw. While it didn’t work, they need to do something in net moving forward.
If they are going to win Lord Stanley’s Cup, it will be with a goalie who is not currently on the roster. Allen and Brian Elliot are decent options, but they can’t be their only options.
This was the only really bad game coming from Allen, but it came in a game the Blues absolutely needed. It looks like they are going to see another first-round disappointment after losing Game 5. They need to find a way to obtain a goalie who can take them to the top instead of taking them to the first round.
Nick Villano is the New Jersey Devils writer for Rant Sports. He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.
