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After a collison with defenceman Barret Jackman, St Louis Blues Goalie Jaroslav Halak was forced to leave the game tonight in the second period.  This type of  injury in the playoffs (if long term) could destroy the hopes of most teams.  Imagine for a moment, if Tim Thomas was injured and the Boston Bruins had to go on with the talented, but inexperienced Anton Khudobin in net the rest of the way.  The Bruins chances under those circumstances would be very, very thin.  This would be especially true on a team like the Bruins who rely so heavily on defense. 

The Blues are not like any other team however and this fact highlights one fo the key reasons the Blues finished second in the Western Conference.  The St. Louis Blues have effectively operated this season with two starters, not a starter and a backup.  In fact, the question of whether to start Halak or "backup" Brian Elliot (who was the Blues only All-Star) has been a nice problem to have for Coach Ken Hitchcock.  Tonight's game resulted in a 3-0 victory, a goalie team effort for Halak and Elliot.  It remains to be seen if Halak misses any time, however I feel confident the Blues can win the Stanley Cup whether Halak or Elliot is in net.