Brian Elliott Will Return Saturday

St. Louis Blues goaltender Brian Elliott has been activated from injured reserve and will start Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks, the team has announced.

Elliott suffered a lower-body injury the night that Jake Allen was activated off IR, getting him moved to long-term IR. Allen has started every game since, and is dire need of a little rest after allowing 11 goals in the first two games of the team’s Western Canada road trip.

“He feels good, no issues. It couldn’t come at a better time for both guys to be ready to play for us,” said coach Ken Hitchcock.

“It doesn’t really matter what time of year it is,” Elliott said, “but when it’s getting close to the playoffs, it’s exciting when you’re one of the top teams in the League and you have an opportunity that doesn’t come around often… you want to be part of it in anyway possible. You’ve got to make sure you’re all right and you’re 100 percent to go, but it definitely gives you a little more motivation.”

Through 34 games this season Elliott has a .929 save percentage, the league’s best mark, and a 17-7-6 record. In 44 games, Allen has a .917 save percentage.