The way we speak of Ortio at this moment is reminiscent of Sharks fans in 2002-2003 and the start of the 2003-2004 season. In 2002 Nabokov was holding out. This up and comer from Finland with fantastic reaction, quickness and mechanics, was given the start, and after 2 horrible games, the Sharks caved and paid Nabakov his ask. Kipper stuck as a backup for the rest of the season and performed reasonably well, leading to people believing he was a career backup.
The next season another up and coming Finn named Toskala arrived. Kipper wasn't waiver exempt so they dealt with the "3-headed monster" until a trade came up.
What nobody realized was that Kipper was a slow starter, and that the Sharks had traded the best of the three.
Ortio, even in the AHL, has been a slow starter. It hasn't helped that he hasn't gotten games. Be patient.
Also, for the record, I think Ortio has only had one start, and one poor game. If I recall correctly, the other appearance was shutout relief work in a blow out. But please correct if I am wrong.
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