Badger hockey fans: There is a new face patrolling the Wisconsin net. No ill-will toward senior All-American backstop Bernd Br??ckler, but Brian Elliott has been nothing short of spectacular for the No. 5 Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team (2-0-0 WCHA, 4-0-0 overall).
\He's playing phenomenal,"" junior defenseman Tom Gilbert said of Elliott. ""He's having a good preseason, good practices and stuff.""
The 6'3' sophomore goaltender has recorded shutouts in both starts this year, while blocking all 31 shots on goal and leading the WCHA in save percentage. Gilbert and the rest of the defense certainly have pitched in their fair share, killing more than 89 percent of the power plays. The most impressive showing of the defense came last Saturday night versus Michigan Tech in a complete team effort.
The Badger defense allowed only 13 shots, blocked 14 more and prevented Michigan Tech from capitalizing on a single power play in seven tries.
Elliott is particularily grateful for the shot blocking surge in the Wisconsin defense.
""It's great to have the shot-blockers. Tommy Gilbert and [sophomore defenseman Jeff] Likens and a lot of the older guys on the defense, they are kind of teaching the roles of blocking shots to the younger guys,"" Elliott said. ""They are taking it really well; they are learning fast. You can see it here in practice, where guys are blocking shots when normally you wouldn't. It's great to see, it gives you a lot of confidence in the net. If you're not ready for that one-time shot or on the penalty kill, they're going to be there in front of the shot if you're not there. And they know that you're there to back them up. It goes back-to-back, defense to goalie.""
The Wisconsin offense has certainly carried its weight, tallying a blistering 21 goals in the first four games. But, even more importantly for the Badgers, Elliott serves as the understudy and eventual successor to the veteran Br??ckler. While his playing time may not increase significantly as Wisconsin gets into the meat of the conference schedule, Gilbert and the defense know what both goalies bring to the net.
""They're both excellent goalies,"" Gilbert said. ""If one goes down or one's not playing well, I'm not too worried about who's playing that night.""
So while Elliott may not get every start or have the noteriety of Br??ckler, it is his role that has become just as important to Wisconsin. Players accepting their roles is one reason for Wisconsin's solid start, according to Head Coach Mike Eaves.
""It's getting everybody on the bus and putting them in the right seat, those folks accepting their role and getting it done, which creates a good team atmosphere,"" Eaves said.
