If I told you before the 2019-20 regular-season that Brian Elliott would be outperforming Carter Hart, you likely would’ve called me crazy, especially with how poorly the 34-year-old goaltender performed during the preseason. But now, nine games into the new campaign, not only has Elliott played better than Hart, but he’s been among the NHL’s best goaltenders to begin the year.
Following three impressive starts against the Calgary Flames, Vegas Golden Knights, and Chicago Blackhawks, Elliott ranks either Top 5 or, at worst, Top 10 in several goaltending statistics at 5-on-5. The man they call “Moose” sits fourth in save percentage (.