Quote:
Originally Posted by PeteMoss
I'm speaking of Hiller. I'm sure they understand why Backstrom is playing.
And why does the 'good' treatment of Hiller outweigh the 'bad' treatment of Ortio earlier this year?
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I am sure the team is supportive of Hiller AND Backstrom AND Ortio. Why? Because they are teammates. They share a locker room. They travel together. Have dinners together. Show up at functions together. If they don't support one another, then that is called a dysfunctional team. I doubt anyone is rolling their eyes at Hiller starting (and I doubt he will get another start again, barring an injury).
Good treatment of Hiller vs bad treatment of Ortio at the beginning of the year?
At the start of the season, the Flames had much higher expectations - fresh off not only making the playoffs, but from advancing to the 2nd round. They were also fresh from acquiring Hamilton and Frolik. There were expectations.
Ortio was given a chance to perform, and failed. Apparently, he was also lackluster in practices. He still had a few shots, and failed to solidify himself as even the backup. Hartley knows Ramo and Hiller much more - they both helped him win last season. Vets always have a bit more leeway with coaches to play through a funk because they have proved in past performances that they have been able to get the job done. Rookies are tougher - so many bust outright. A coach will always try to put a guy in the lineup who he thinks has a better chance to win.
If Ortio stepped up back then like he has been since Ramo went down, he would have been the defacto starter. He was kept on the team while Ramo was sent down. Ramo got called up again and made the most of it. Now with Ramo going down, and the season all but lost, Ortio managed to step up ahead of Hiller and thus got the bulk of the starts right up until this point. It was the 'fair' thing to do.
Giving someone one or two games at the end of the season when the playoffs are all but a fantasy is a classy thing to do to a vet who is winding down and is hard-pressed to find an NHL contract. I just don't see how it can be interpreted as a terrible thing to do.