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Brian Elliott sets NHL’s modern-era goals-against record

Brian Elliott

Brian Elliott put his name in the history books on Saturday without even playing a game.

By giving way to Jaroslav Halak in St. Louis’ season finale -- the Blues beat the Stars 3-2 in Dallas -- Elliott finished the year with a sparking 1.56 goals-against average, the lowest mark of the modern era. Elliott broke Calgary netminder Miikka Kiprusoff’s 2003-04 record of 1.69.

To put Elliott’s mark in perspective, consider that 1.56 is tied for the 19th-lowest mark in the history of the NHL, tying him with the goals-against average Frank Brimsek had for the Boston Bruins in 1938-39.

(The lowest ever is George Hainsworth’s 0.92, which he posted for Montreal in 1928-29).

This modern-day record is just the latest in what’s been a career year for Elliott, 26. He made his first All-Star game, captured his first Jennings Trophy (along with Halak), led the NHL in GAA and save percentage (.940) and finished second among all goalies with nine shutouts.

Not bad for a guy St. Louis signed to a one-year, two-way deal worth $600,000, huh?

(FYI: The NHL’s “modern era” is regarded as 1992 and beyond.)