The St. Louis Blues have their two-headed monster back between the pipes.
Goalie Jake Allen was activated off injured reserve Sunday after being out since Jan. 8 with a knee injury, indicating he's healthy and ready to reclaim the starting job he was forced to vacate 17 games ago.
Brian Elliott has stepped up to the task in a big way in Allen's absence, however, posting even better numbers in what now amounts to an even number of games played.
Player
Games Played
Record
Save %
GAA
Shutouts
Jake Allen
33
18-10-3
.924
2.17
5
Brian Elliott
33
17-7-6
.931
2.06
1
Ken Hitchcock, then, can presumably roll out either netminder on any given night with confidence, giving them the ability to rest up and stay fresh for the postseason. Both goalies are signed through to the end of 2016-17 at a combined cap hit of $4.85 million, which is a steal based on the numbers they're putting up.
But here's the thing: While it's a sweet luxury to have two goalies capable of carrying the load, the Blues have holes up front and deficiencies on offense that need to be filled in order to help get them over the hump in the playoffs.
After 61 games, the Blues have scored 150 goals - good for an average of 2.46, which is 22nd among all 30 NHL teams.
St. Louis is led in scoring by Vladimir Tarasenko and Alexander Steen, but there's a 15-point drop-off down to third-ranked David Backes. Jaden Schwartz's return gives the offense a boost, but T.J. Oshie hasn't been adequately replaced, and Steen could be out with an injury suffered in Saturday's win over Arizona.
As a result, the question facing general manager Doug Armstrong in advance of the Feb. 29 trade deadline is whether to hang on to both Elliott and Allen in order to ensure strength at a key position, or whether to dangle one - most likely the elder Elliott - on the trade market in order to ice a more balanced lineup.
Ryan O'Reilly will miss Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins with a lower-body injury, and word out of Buffalo is the Sabres center could be out for an extended period of time.
Ryan O'Reilly was limping after game in Columbus and met with trainers there. Could be a foot and several weeks, source says. We'll see soon
The legend of the "Ghost Bear" continues to grow in Philadelphia.
With an overtime goal Saturday in Toronto, Flyers rookie defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere extended his point streak to 15 games, not only strengthening his case for Calder Trophy consideration, but also giving the City of Brotherly Love a measure of hope for the future despite being outside the NHL playoff picture.
Here's what Gostisbehere's emergence means for the Rookie of the Year race and the Flyers' future:
Crunching the numbers
Gostisbehere has firmly established himself as the top first-year defenseman, having recorded eight more points than second-ranked Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues in 18 fewer games played.
But where does he rank among all rookies?
With 12 goals and 22 assists, Gostisbehere sits fifth in rookie scoring, behind Artemi Panarin, Max Domi, Jack Eichel, and Dylan Larkin. In terms of points per game, however, his ranking rises to third, and only by lowering the minimum amount of games played to 20 to allow for Connor McDavid's inclusion.
Player
Games Played
Goals
Assists
Points
P/GP
Connor McDavid (EDM)
23
10
17
27
1.17
Artemi Panarin (CHI)
59
22
35
57
0.97
Shayne Gostisbehere (PHI)
40
12
22
34
0.85
On top of that, Gostisbehere's 18 power-play points ranks first, while his four game-winning goals - all coming in overtime - slots him third.
What's even more impressive is where he ranks among all defensemen. While his 34 total points put him within the top 20, his points-per-game rate bumps him up to fourth, with only Erik Karlsson (1.08), Kris Letang (0.89), and Brent Burns (0.86) averaging more points.
That's the cream of the crop league-wide, with his name among those who'll be in the Norris Trophy conversation. Gostisbehere doesn't see as much ice time as this group, nor is he charged with as much defensive responsibility in terms of shutting down the opposition. From a production standpoint, though, there's no denying he's in good company.
Gostisbehere's numbers may not be enough to eclipse Panarin or McDavid in Rookie of the Year consideration, but he should be a finalist for the award.
The caveat here is that if Gostisbehere can help propel the Flyers - who sit three points out of a wild-card spot - into the postseason, it would greatly boost his chances of earning the nod as the NHL's top rookie.
Flyers' changing of the rear guard
What's even more encouraging for Flyers fans is Gostisbehere represents the initial onslaught of a new wave of highly touted defensemen in Philadelphia.
Heading into 2015-16, NHL.com pegged Gostisbehere as the third-ranked defensive prospect in the organization, behind Ivan Provorov and Travis Sanheim. This assessment was shared by Broad Street Hockey, who placed Gostisbehere sixth among the team's top 25 under 25, and third behind the aforementioned blue-liners.
Gostisbehere was drafted in the third round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft out of Union College, marking the beginning of Philadelphia's stockpiling of potentially high-end defensemen.
2013 - Samuel Morin, selected 11th overall
2014 - Travis Sanheim, selected 17th overall
2015 - Ivan Provorov, selected 7th overall
Those players are currently honing their games in the junior and AHL ranks as the Flyers continue to carry some unfortunate contracts on the blue line, namely Andrew MacDonald ($5-million cap hit through 2020), Mark Streit ($5.25-million cap hit through 2017), and Nick Schultz ($2.25-million cap hit through 2017).
While MacDonald's contract is likely immovable, the others could be shopped by general manager Ron Hextall, as their deals aren't as cumbersome due to their upcoming expiry dates. Space on the roster could be coming.
Either way, if the projections hold true and Gostisbehere does indeed end up behind Provorov and Sanheim on the depth chart, with Morin close behind, the Flyers may soon boast one of the NHL's most exciting young crop of defensemen as well as significant building blocks for the long sought-after return to glory.
BUFFALO, N.Y. - Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan O'Reilly is being evaluated for a lower body injury and will not play against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday afternoon.
Coach Dan Bylsma provided the update before the game. Bylsma did not go int...
MEDICINE HAT, Alta. - Alex Schoenborn and Evan Weinger both had two goals and an assist as the Portland Winterhawks routed the Medicine Hat Tigers 8-1 on Saturday night in Western Hockey League action.
Alex Overhardt had a goal and three assi...
With another fine outing Saturday night, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie further proved that come this summer he is deserving of a hefty raise.
Barrie almost single-handedly gifted the Edmonton Oilers a 3-2 defeat Saturday with two goals and an assist, helping the Avalanche collect their second straight win.
With his trio of points against the Oilers, Barrie moved into eighth among all defenseman with 30 points in 57 games and it isn't the only category that seems him slotted in the top 10.
Barrie ranks second among the league's best defensemen with five game-winning goals, is tied for eighth in power play points, and tied for ninth in assists. He has also - since becoming a regular with the Avalanche during the 2013-14 season - watched his production increase every year.
This summer Barrie will become a restricted free agent where he can expect to cash in. He is currently making $2.6 million this season in a year where he is poised to surpass his previous career highs in both goals and points.
Barrie is on his way to becoming one of the league's great d-men and by as early as this summer he should be paid like one.
DALLAS - Brad Marchand's goal in the second period ended Boston's drought on the power play, and got the Bruins going on a big scoring night.
Marchand scored twice and added an assist to help Bruins rally for a 7-3 victory over the Dallas Sta...
EDMONTON - Tyson Barrie had two goals and an assist as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 on Saturday.
John Mitchell also scored for the Avalanche (31-26-4), who have won four of their last five games to remain in a playo...
SUNRISE, Fla. - Jaromir Jagr scored twice to move into third place on the NHL career goals list and help the Florida Panthers beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-1 on Saturday night.
Reilly Smith had the go-ahead power-play goal early in the third perio...
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Vladimir Tarasenko, David Backes and Alexander Steen each had a goal and an assist and the St. Louis Blues used a four-goal first period to beat the Arizona Coyotes 6-4 on Saturday night.
The Blues have won five straight. Ja...
