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Calgary4LIfe · 04-19-2017, 10:41 AM

There are 3 reasons (for the most part) that the Flames are down 0-3 in this series:

1) Bad Luck
2) Lack of Composure at times
3) Inconsistent goaltending

Elliott has been losing against the Ducks. Maybe the Ducks have Elliott figured out, maybe Elliott is a bit rattled, I am not sure. Either way, he isn't getting that job done. You pull him out of the equation. Last game coming to play on home ice was his chance to redeem himself in my mind.

Now you have a choice between Johnson, Gillies or Rittich. Johnson has been inconsistent and is just coming back from injury. I wish that Gulutzan would have pulled Elliott after that 3rd goal, but I guess you never pull a goalie when ahead. In hindsight, that would have been a good trial for Johnson to see if he was ready or not.

I say you just throw Gillies out there. I am expecting the Flames to lose this series now (unfortunately), and you know what you have in Johnson and Elliott. I don't think you are going to harm Gillies by starting him. He is what I would say the only goalie out of the 3 that has any long-term viability to the organization. Is this good for his development? Or would it be detrimental? I think it would just be a good test for him.

I would be ok with Rittich as well. Only saw him for a period in the NHL. No idea if he is NHL caliber or not, but given how many games Elliott has played against the Ducks and how often he has let in some bad goals (and while also making godly saves, which shows how good he can be, but how wildly inconsistent his game is now), I would be fine with Rittich as well.

Calgary has controlled the play and pushed the pace for the most part. They have out-shot and out-chanced the Ducks. They just haven't had the luxury of having a strong CONSISTENT goaltender, and that rattles a team like nothing else.

04-19-2017, 10:41 AM	#263
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	There are 3 reasons (for the most part) that the Flames are down 0-3 in this series: 1) Bad Luck 2) Lack of Composure at times 3) Inconsistent goaltending Elliott has been losing against the Ducks. Maybe the Ducks have Elliott figured out, maybe Elliott is a bit rattled, I am not sure. Either way, he isn't getting that job done. You pull him out of the equation. Last game coming to play on home ice was his chance to redeem himself in my mind. Now you have a choice between Johnson, Gillies or Rittich. Johnson has been inconsistent and is just coming back from injury. I wish that Gulutzan would have pulled Elliott after that 3rd goal, but I guess you never pull a goalie when ahead. In hindsight, that would have been a good trial for Johnson to see if he was ready or not. I say you just throw Gillies out there. I am expecting the Flames to lose this series now (unfortunately), and you know what you have in Johnson and Elliott. I don't think you are going to harm Gillies by starting him. He is what I would say the only goalie out of the 3 that has any long-term viability to the organization. Is this good for his development? Or would it be detrimental? I think it would just be a good test for him. I would be ok with Rittich as well. Only saw him for a period in the NHL. No idea if he is NHL caliber or not, but given how many games Elliott has played against the Ducks and how often he has let in some bad goals (and while also making godly saves, which shows how good he can be, but how wildly inconsistent his game is now), I would be fine with Rittich as well. Calgary has controlled the play and pushed the pace for the most part. They have out-shot and out-chanced the Ducks. They just haven't had the luxury of having a strong CONSISTENT goaltender, and that rattles a team like nothing else.