Calgary Flames: Goaltending Dilemma

The Calgary Flames goaltending dilemma is a clear issue right now. The recent injury to Jonas Hiller is just one of their woes, more concerning is the 49 goals against already this season. That’s an average of 4.08 per game, a rate that can’t possibly be continued if the Calgary Flames are to be in play-off contention come April.

It looked like, prior to Hiller’s injury, the Calgary Flames goaltending questions had finally been put to rest.

Hiller said in an interview with the Calgary Herald in late October, “it shows they believe in me and want me to be the guy right now — it might be different in a few days, few weeks, whatever,” in response to Karri Ramo being waived and re-assigned to the American Hockey League.

“It shows they believe in me and want me to be the guy right now” – Jonas Hiller (Calgary Herald)

Having a clear number one, regardless of how many goals had been conceded at that point, helps. Labeling Hiller as your number one and letting him know this can only help his confidence, and it should show in his goaltending.

The last thing the Calgary Flames need is a scenario akin to that of the Maple Leafs where they have two goalies in complete limbo.

We’ve touched on Ramo and Hiller, but where does this leave Joni Ortio? He needs to be given a run in the side but also to know his role for now is as the backup goaltender. It’s a tough spot to be in, sitting on the bench and biding his time, but Ortio should know that it’s a necessary evil to assist his teams number one.

However, the Calgary Flames goaltending situation has been thrown out completely. Jonas Hiller going down injured has seen Ramo return from the AHL and the waters have been muddied once more.

Do you give Ortio a solid run in the side and give him a shot at becoming the Flames number one or do you give Ramo a shot?

Hiller is clearly the strongest piece in the Calgary Flames goaltending puzzle; his goals against average is 3.67 compared to Ortio and Ramo, who having played equal numbers of games are sitting at 4.27.

All three aren’t performing fantastically, but Hiller is the man you’d want behind you if you’re a Calgary Flames defenseman.

Karri Ramo, to his credit, has been slightly stronger than Ortio given their matching save percentage, despite his extra 70 minutes on the ice. But upon Hiller’s eventual return to the side, what is the goaltending solution?

Ramo, based on statistics alone, should be the backup tender. Ortio though would have to clear waivers to be re-assigned, which is always a risk.

Right now, in my mind, there’s no easy answer.

Next: Shake-Up In C-Town

What do you think? Is there potential for a trade to fix the Calgary Flames goaltending dilemma? Let us know in the comments section below.

All stats courtesy of NHL.com.

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