Ortio needs to be considered for time in this series. Not brought in yet, but should get more practice time and be ready to go when needed. Biggest weakness both Hiller and Ramo have is rebound control, and against a team that plays big and hard, fighting to get inside, that is suicide. Hiller gets the benefit of the doubt, since he has taken the team so far, but the leash has to be very short now. Ortio absorbs the puck more, which would allow the Flames to stop and reset - and get Stajan out there for draws.
As a team, the Flames need to do a better job of keeping Anaheim to the outside and breaking the cycle. Engelland needs to be much better, as he is one of the few guys back there who can match up physically on the Ducks.
Improvement for game 2, even if it is a loss, is a must. Split would be amazing, but a big pushback to set up the homestand is the minimum. Game 3 will be critical, either consolidating an unlikely split, or fighting back to give themselves a shot.
If Ferland is out long term, with Bouma still on the shelf, his replacement could be Wolf, but with his lack of footspeed and stamina (when forced to play at the higher pace of the NHL) shows that this may not be the best move. Tough decisions coming up for Hartley.
|