Calgary Flames three stars of the week: November 20-26
By Ramina Shlah
Third Star
David Rittich
David Rittich received the call-up on Friday Morning after Eddie Lack was placed on waivers on Thursday. After clearing waivers on Friday, Lack was sent down to Stockton and Rittich was called up.
Rittich played in his first ever NHL game last season in the final game of the season against the San Jose Sharks. However, he only played in the third period and stopped nine of 10 shots. On Saturday evening, he finally got his first ever NHL start vs. the Colorado Avalanche. And he looked like he belonged.
The one thing about Rittich is that people didn’t seem nervous with him in net like they felt about lack. And this is in no way to disrespect Lack, but he had somewhat of a rough start here in Calgary.
Related Story: Eddie Lack sent down, David Rittich recalled
Rittich was also impressing in Stockton so far this season and the Calgary Flames felt like he should be given a shot in the NHL and send Lack down to get some games in and help him reset. In Stockton, Rittich was 5-1-0 with an SV% of 0.931.
After losing two games in a row to the Columbus Blue Jackets (in OT) and to the Dallas Stars, a game the Flames felt they should have had, Rittich got the nod between the pipes on Saturday. And he got them the win. He stopped 26 of 28 shots to get his first ever NHL win in his first ever NHL start. And he looked confident and like he belonged.
Awesome thing about Rittich's poke-check save: poke check made Avs player make a quick move, and he kept his pads together to avoid a five-hole goal.
— Ryan Pike (@RyanNPike) November 26, 2017
Via Sportsnet:
"“Very happy for him. He played well tonight, showed a lot of poise, was calm in net,” Backlund said. “He didn’t look too nervous out there, I don’t know if he was but I’m sure getting this win will help him moving forward.”"
Related Story: Flames Daily - David Rittich ready
It’s only been one game, but Rittich looks promising to be able to hold his own as Smith’s backup. And hey, it’s definitely exciting playing with a fellow Czech who’s somewhat of a legend in the hockey world.
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. “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.”"
Rittich winning his first ever NHL game deserves a spot on our three stars of the week list.