Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
That's the thing with Ortio - he does show promise and COULD end up developing into a decent starter. Is it worth it to cut bait with him and sign an experienced UFA backup? Some people will say yes, some people will say no. There are valid arguments to both.
If Ortio comes in slightly improved, I think it would be the best of both worlds - gives the Flames a reliable backup, while possibly continue to develop into something more. If he provides the Flames with equal goaltending to last season - or worse - then the Flames will be regretful in not signing a more experienced backup. I am personally starting to lean a bit more on the 'sign Enroth/Johnson/Montoya/someone else' side of things, but won't be disappointed if they choose to re-sign Ortio.
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In my view, Ortio is not mentally strong enough to be a number 1. Athletically, he can do everything. He's a good puck handler. Something is missing, and I think it's between the ears.
I recall Ortio's final development camp, where as one of the oldest guys there, he looked like the weakest tender. He was visibly upset in the crease after multiple soft goals. All of this is conjecture, but he looked like he didn't want to be there. It was like the fight had gone out of him.
Ultimately, some bad body language in a summer camp practice doesn't define a player. But it took two years for him to get a home start, and he laid that Montreal egg. To me, that tells me something about his ability to rise to the occasion.
Let's see how the team does with a more structured defensive system, as Hartley's requires Patrick Roy to be effective.