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Originally Posted by Gaudfather
I think this three goalie setup is just a recipe for disaster again, even over the last 20 games of the season.
What are the chances that the Flames put Hiller on waivers, and then send him down to Stockton?
This then leaves Backstrom to perhaps act as a bit of a mentor to Ortio over the last 20 games, as well as picking up perhaps 2-3 games himself. I sense that being a fellow Finn, he may make a better tandem with Ortio than Hiller.
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I don't think it is a disaster any longer - chances for playoffs are long gone. Also, I doubt that they start 3 goalies. No single goalie is going to start 100% of the time from here on out. There will be two - and I imagine Ortio will be getting the bulk of the time as it makes the most organizational sense at this point. I would suspect that Backstrom gets a shot (or at least the next time Calgary travels to Minnesota).
I think it is between Hiller and Backstrom to get into the games that Ortio will not be starting in, and I guess it really depends on how game-shape Backstrom is and how he does in his first start (if any). This season is done at this point - 2 goalies or 10 - it means little now IMO.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
I don't believe there is any chance that Backstrom will ever factor into the Flames' plans after the season. He could end up playing great, and I am quite confident that they will not re-sign him if for no other reason than that he is already 38-years-old. His playing time is in satisfaction of his agreement to waive his NTC and nothing more. Anything he does in the next 40 days is unto his own benefit as a pending UFA who may pursue another NHL contract but with another NHL team.
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I would 99% agree here, with the caveat that the Flames probably do want to see how good (or bad) Backstrom is, just to ensure they keep all their options open in case nothing of note transpires in the off-season. A one year stop-gap may (unfortunately) be the best option if any of the UFA goalies decide to sign elsewhere, and if the teams willing to part with a goalie demand too high of a cost asset-wise.
Definitely not campaigning for a Backstrom re-signing here. Just think the Flames will explore all avenues, and that Backstrom will probably get a start or two at least from now until the end of the season.