February 1, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save in the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Friday Night, Jaroslav Halak of the St. Louis Blues left the game against the Detroit Red Wings in the first period after having been hit in the mask with a puck. At the time it seemed like Halak may have been shaken up by the puck to the face, but there was more than met the eye.

On Sunday, the St. Louis Blues placed Jaroslav Halak on the injured reserve. Halak has suffered a pulled groin and is expected to be out of the lineup for at least a week. The Blues will be without the services of Halak for at least the next two games so it is expected that Brian Elliott will get the start in net for those two games.

After placing Halak on IR, the St. Louis Blues recalled 22 year-old Jake Allen from the Peoria Rivermen for just the second time in his career. Allen had been touted as one of the team’s top goaltending prospects, but has had two slow starts in the AHL the past couple seasons. During last year’s playoffs Allen got a few minutes to play late in a game against the Los Angeles Kings, but never saw any real NHL action. It will be interested to see if Coach Ken Hitchcock gives Allen a chance to prove himself worthy of the NHL level between the pipes this week.

More to come as we have it. LET’S GO BLUES!

-Alex Hodschayan