NHL playoffs: What you need to know for Wednesday
Elliott returns as Blues, Sharks both chase history
The Stanley Cup playoffs are on. Each day, we'll keep you updated on the important news involving players, starting lineups, injuries and more. Check back throughout the day to stay in the know.
Elliott back in net
With the team on the brink of elimination from the Western Conference final, the St. Louis Blues are taking a page out of the Penguins' book and going back to playoff-tested goalie Brian Elliott for Game 6 (CBC, CBC Sports app, 9 p.m. ET).
Elliott got the start in every game this post-season until he was pulled after allowing three goals on 14 shots in a 3-0 Game 3 loss. Jake Allen stepped in for the last two games, claiming a 6-3 victory in Game 4 before getting blasted by the same score in Monday's Game 5 defeat.
"Unfortunately we didn't get the win [Monday], but this has been Brian's playoffs and we'd like him to finish the job," said coach Ken Hitchcock.
Goalie debates have come up in both conference finals, as Pittsburgh opted to bring back Matt Murray in Tuesday's do-or-die Game 6. That decision helped force a Game 7 after a 5-2 victory in Tampa Bay.
Sharks 1 win away from history
Even with the return of Elliott, the Blues have their work cut out for them as the Sharks will be especially hungry to put the series away tonight. A victory will send them to the Stanley Cup final for the first time in the franchise's 25-year history.
San Jose has not had the best luck in the playoffs in the past few seasons. The Sharks most recently made it to the conference finals in 2011 when they were eliminated by the Vancouver Canucks in five games.
Fortunately for San Jose, the team has been successful in the "shark tank" this post-season, winning six of eight games at home.
Conversely, the Blues are also chasing history. They have not made it to the final since they were swept by the Boston Bruins in 1970.