Calgary Flames Daily: Game day, David Rittich ready

CALGARY, AB - OCTOBER 27: Mikael Backlund
CALGARY, AB - OCTOBER 27: Mikael Backlund

The Calgary Flames continue their road-trip tonight in Texas against the Dallas Stars. On this road trip, they’re currently 2-1-1.

The Calgary Flames will be in the Lone Star State tonight to face off against the Dallas Stars. This will be the second meeting between the two clubs this season. The Stars won the first matchup 2-1. Last season, the Flames went 2-1-0 against the Stars.

Tonight, we’ll be seeing a slight lineup change with Freddie Hamilton out and Curtis Lazar in on that fourth line. Sam Bennett will also start the game on the third line tonight. He started it on that third line in the last game, but through the second period, he was put on the fourth line and Kris Versteeg was put on that third line.

Tomorrow, we may see another change in the crease as well. With the Flames playing some back-to-backs tonight and tomorrow, Mike Smith may have the night off tomorrow. And instead, David Rittich will be making his season debut.

Related Story: Eddie Lack sent down, David Rittich recalled

He was recalled this morning after Eddie Lack was put on waivers yesterday and cleared this morning. Lack was sent down to Stockton today and Rittich was recalled. He made his NHL debut last season in the last game of the regular season against the San Jose Sharks, but only played in the final 20 minutes of play.

Via Calgary Flames:

“Everyone in Czech is a fan of Jaromir Jagr. He’s a legend. He played … I don’t even know how many games he played in the NHL. It’s unbelievable. He’s 45 or something and he’s still in the NHL. It’s pretty good.” Recalled the Czech netminder.“If someone told me 10 years ago I will play or I will be practicing with Jagr, I’d be like, ‘No way. No chance.’ And it’s coming true so I’m happy about it.”“It was a long day for me yesterday … I’m so excited that I can be here and I’m ready for everything right now.”

Looks like Rittich may end up living out every Czech child’s dream of playing on the same team as Jaromir Jagr. I mean, it’s basically everyone’s dream to play with him, let’s be real.

Some links surrounding the Flames

Flames’ Jagr teaching Gaudreau how to think like a superstar (Sportsnet).

Jagr’s pep talks seem to be paying dividends for Flames star Gaudreau (Calgary Sun).

Game Day: Callup goalie Rittich gets welcome shot from Jagr (Calgary Sun).

RITTICH READY WHEN CALLED UPON (Calgary Flames).

Some links surrounding hockey and the NHL

5 questions at the NHL’s quarter-season mark (CBC Sports).

Analyzing NHL goal scoring trends through the quarter mark (Sportsnet).

Acknowledging and analyzing the NHL’s top five goalies this season (Sportsnet).

Building a global phenomenon: Full NHL 100 Years documentary (Sportsnet).

Next: Three stars of the week Nov. 13-19

That’s all in today’s Flames Daily! Make sure to tune in tonight at 7 P.M ET.