Blues' Elliott taking playoff backup role in stride: 'Ultimate goal is to win'

Brian Elliott knew it was bound to happen at some point.

While he may not have expected it to happen at the onset of the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs, the 30-year-old veteran netminder anticipated being bumped out of the starter's role by Jake Allen in the near future.

After posting a record of 26-14-3 with a .917 in 46 regular season appearances, Elliott has been relegated to the role of backup - for the time being, at least. To his credit, he appears to be handling his spectator role as well as one could hope.

Elliott told Lou Korac of NHL.com:

This game comes and goes too fast to get upset about the little things. That's the coach's decision. It's nothing I can do, so I control what I can and come here every day with a smile on my face and try to do my best. I'll be ready when called upon. That's how it is right now.

(Allen) is playing good, so whatever we can do to win. The ultimate goal is to win the Cup at the end of the year, so no matter who's playing, no matter who is healthy scratched in this locker room, all that matters is the one goal.

In his first career playoff start, Allen stopped 25 of 27 shots in a 4-2, Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Wild. For his part, Elliott has appeared in 18 career playoff games, with six wins and a save percentage of .898. 

If Allen falters at some point, Elliott will likely get the call, and his chance to prove he can make a meaningful contribution to a winning club when it matters most.