[MisterJoji]

Few thoughts.

Hiller starting: As much as we all want to see Ortio, this is the smart move. Ortio has been sharing a net in practice since day 1, he needs to send few more picks before slotting him in. Also, with the way the D is playing, at this point you'd be setting him up to fail. Who knows, maybe Hiller will improve, can relax without Ramo breathing down his neck.

Gio/Hamilton breakup: With Brodie on IR giving Gio/Dougie a few games together was not unexpected but they have been extremely underwhelming, zero chemistry. Looks like Hamilton needs some sheltered minutes to get his confidence back up and Gio needs to rediscover last years play. Brodie can't heal fast enough.

Smid return: Love the guy, but coming off a major injury and hasn't played a game in nearly a year. I worry he's going to look like a pilon out there. Would've liked to see a Hamilton/Russell pairing.

Sounds like Hartley is bag skating the players today and they deserve it. Outside the top line and Jones, the entire roster has looked like garbage. A message needed to be delivered. Ended up in the playoffs last year despite an 8 game losing streak so it's not time to panic yet, but they need to right the ship soon. I mean, my god, we're below the Oilers.