Brian Elliott and Pekka Rinne are two of the league’s top goalies, both coming off of career years in 2011-12. From a fantasy standpoint, it’s tough for some people to decide which of these two Central Division foes they should take first if the opportunity arises. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each backstop.

Brian Elliott led the St. Louis Blues to their first division title since 2000, as he and Jaroslav Halak formed clearly the best goalie duo in hockey last season. Despite playing in only 38 of the Blues’ 82 games, Elliott somehow led the league in shutouts with nine. He also led hockey in goals against average as he gave up only 1.56 goals per start as well as leading the NHL in save percentage, saving 94% of the shots he faced.

The problem with picking Elliott, however, is that he split time with Jaroslav Halak last year and likely will again this year based on how successful it worked out. Although Elliott was the Blues’ primary playoff goalie last year, expect to see the platoon system again in the 2012-13 regular season.

One thing in Elliott’s favor is that the Blues have probably the best defensive corps in hockey. This makes Elliott a good goaltender to have from a goals against, save percentage, and shutouts standpoint.

Pekka Rinne, on the other hand, led NHL goalies in games played as well as wins last season. Obviously, he also led the league in total saves, making him the ideal goalie for a league in which total saves matter. His goals against average was 2.39, which was 14th in the NHL but is still a decent number. Playing for Nashville, Rinne has good, albeit young defensemen playing in front of him. His actual save percentage was 0.923; good enough for seventh in the league and not much worse than Elliott.

Of the two, Pekka Rinne is the better choice. Elliott is a terrific goalie and he put up mind-blowing numbers in 2012-13, but he simply does not play enough games to give you the fantasy numbers that Rinne can. Sure, Elliott’s goals against average, save percentage, and shutouts were better than Rinne last year, but Rinne’s numbers are also among the best in hockey and he will be giving you those numbers a good three nights a week or more. While Elliott will likely have another great year behind the stifling defense of the Blues, it is wrong to expect him to put up the staggering numbers that he did last year. Rinne should be one of the first goalies on your list.