Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
So, I think a big part of the decision to play Hiller is also the hope of giving him opportunities to end the season on a high note. It honestly doesn't matter how many games Ortio plays to ride out the season, so long as he plays a bunch of them.
We tend to forget that coaches and managers form relationships with the players on their roster. As much as this is a business, as much as Hiller is not in their plans moving forward, I have NO DOUBT that Hartley and Treliving want the best for him. Playing Hiller in this game doesn't have any impact on the Flames this season AT ALL. But these remaining starts could mean a lot for Hiller.
All that said, this is a pretty silly thing about which to be outraged.
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You could argue that any game has no impact on the season at all. I mean even the best teams lose a game now and then. Or what about the relationships between Raymond and management/coaching. Favouritism is a slippery slope, even if it's kind justified. Again, Hartley's mantra is supposedly "earned, never given". Well it's clear to me from the past games of both goalies that Ortio has earned more starts down the stretch over Hiller.
I think if Hiller wanted to end his season on a high note he needed to be better during the games he's played.