Flames eye post-season with Hiller, Ramo tandemBy Canadian Press CALGARY — The Calgary Flames have reverted to the two-goalie tandem of Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo after Joni Ortios short, but successful stint with the NHL team. The Flames remain in position to end a five-year playoff following a goaltending philosophyBy Canadian Press CALGARY — The Calgary Flames have reverted to the two-goalie tandem of Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo after Joni Ortios short, but successful stint with the NHL team. The Flames remain in position to end a five-year playoff following a goaltending philosophy of he who wins is the starter until he loses. Head coach Bob Hartley gave Hiller the nod for Tuesdays home game against Buffalo, but its a short trip to backup status in Calgary Hillers six goals against in a Jan. 9 loss to the Florida Panthers combined with a Ramo injury opened the door for Ortio. He arrived from the AHLs Adirondack Flames to hold Calgary in the playoff hunt on a five-game road trip prior to the all-star break. The 23-year-old Finn showed poise, giving up a combined five goals in four wins over division rivals, including a shutout of Vancouver and overtime victories in Los Angeles and San Jose. But Ortio was then pulled in a 6-3 loss to Anaheim with Hiller giving up just one goal in the back half of the game. Calgary entered the all-star break alone in the eighth and final playoff berth in the Western Conference with a record of 25-19-3. Ramos activation from the injured list hastened Ortios return to the AHL. But Ortios performance prompts questions about what the Flames goaltending situation means heading towards the NHLs trade deadline March 2. Well see. Every game has been a Game 7 for quite awhile so were not going to change our approach, head coach Bob Hartley said. Goaltending is such a big part of winning games. Whoever wants to run with the ball, well give it to them. Right now we have two goalies were very comfortable (with). We appreciate what Joni did for us, but at the same time we felt Joni had to keep playing. Jonas and Karri will carry the load for us. Calgary signed Hiller to a two-year contract worth $4.5 million annually last summer after his six seasons in Anaheim. The Swiss netminder won nine of his first 14 starts for Calgary and then lost 10 of his next 14. I was kind of longing for a chance to get back and definitely happy with the way I played the second half in Anaheim, Hiller said. Its a good thing to build on, but I think Ive got to be ready again every game we play. If we want to have a chance, I have to play at my best. Hiller had a goals-against average of 2.47 and a save percentage of .911 at the all-star break. Ramos last start was Jan. 7 when he was injured in a collision with teammate Raphael Diaz during a game in Detroit. The Finn earned four straight starts earlier this season. Ramos record was 8-5-1 with a GAA of 2.67 and a save percentage of .904 at the all-star break. In contrast to NHL teams who want to protect their starting goaltenders ego, Calgarys motto of always earned, never given applies to Flames goalies. Ramo says Hartley communicates his confidence in both goalies during bi-weekly meetings between the head coach and netminders. Were in a great situation battling for a playoff spot. Everything is still possible, so he just keeps telling (us) ‘keep working hard. Theres chances, Ramo said. Its been long time since I had a full game, so Im excited to get back. I dont know when its going to be. ift.tt/1gB4pon
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:59:59 +0000
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