(HockeyStL) -- The decision to start Jaroslav Halak in the season-opener against the Detroit Red Wings wasn’t a shocking development. It was an expected decision to start the goaltender who played the majority, albeit eight more games than Brian Elliot, last season. It was still a risky choice.
A quick look at Halak’s career numbers against the Red Wings highlighted a major concern: 2-4-1, 4.16 goals against average, .876 save percentage. You don’t have to be a statistician to know the numbers, 4.16 and .876, aren’t good against any team in the league.
Saturday was different for Halak. It was the season-opener. It was time to erase last season’s failures and success. It was time to start a new season with the hopes of bringing the Stanley Cup down Market Street this summer.
Saturday was also a relatively low-key night for Halak, who faced only 14 shots in the 6-0 rout of the Red Wings. Halak was helped out by a strong defensive effort by the Blues and came up with several key saves including stopping the Red Wings from poking the puck past him in the crease.
Hitchcock said Halak will start the next game which comes against the Predators on Monday. Elliott will make his season debut against the Blackhawks on Tuesday.
