Blues' Elliott to start Game 1 of playoffs

The St. Louis Blues will turn to Brian Elliott when they open the playoffs.

Head coach Ken Hitchcock announced his decision following his team's 5-1 loss to the Washington Capitals, a game that saw Elliott pulled after the second period after allowing four goals on 26 shots.

While Elliott has received the bulk of the club's starts down the stretch, 25-year-old Jake Allen received the majority of the starts this season (44).

Statistically speaking, Elliott put up the better numbers with a .930 save percentage and a 2.07 goals-against average compared to Allen's .920 and 2.35 marks.

The Blues will go to battle with the reigning Stanley-Cup champs the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round, a team they went 3-2 against during the regular season.