Ramo vs. Hiller

[tvp2003]

Last year it was Ramo vs. Berra; this year it's Ramo vs. Hiller. Who's your opening day starter? Who will get more starts this year? More wins?

At this point I think Ramo played the best in the preseason and it's his net to lose. Hiller will still see significant playing time (maybe 30 starts), but unless Ramo falters at some point I think he's our 1a with Hiller as a solid 1b.

This is also Ramo's contract year (UFA next season I believe); with a strong showing i could see him being offered an extension sometime during the year...

[Finger Cookin]

Ramo's my opening night starter. I hope he's capped at 50 games or less. Hiller can play long stretches and I would be fine with it.

[Caged Great]

I think the first 20 games, you'll pretty much an even split with the better goalie getting the majority beyond that

[Nehkara]

Ramo played better in pre-season. He gets to be the starter for the beginning of the season. Just my $0.02.

[Pliddy]

While I think Ramo earned the start, I am pretty sure Hiller will get the start as he is the organization's big free agent signing. We are going to see the "earned not given" motto tested on numerous fronts this fall

[Enoch Root]

Ramo plays Wednesday and Hiller Thursday.

They both start the season with wins

[Fire]

Hiller will get the game on Wednesday and Ramo on Thursday.

[Yrebmi]

I called Hiller the 1b when he was signed (and got ridiculed for it), and my opinion has not changed.
Unless Hiller was made assurances when he signed, I believe starter is Ramo's to lose.

[MisterJoji]

Definitely Ramo. And just for clarity sake wasn't it Ramo vs. MacDonald for the opener last year? I believe Berra was still in the A.

[Inferno]

Coming into training camp I had Hiller as the starter on opening night based on experience but have been more impressed with Ramo so I'd go with him.

[dino7c]

I would be SHOCKED it Ramo started Wednesday

they were both good in the pre-season its not like either was way better

[Da_Chief]

Ramo is the better goalie and could be the future here, he's got the potential and he has an awesome name.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Ramo wins by a raven's beak length.

[albertGQ]

Ramo's has been playing lights out since the Olympics. He should be our #1

[kyuss275]

They both played well. No clear cut starter yet. It's going to take a couple of months until it's settled.

Don't care who starts on Wednesday because other goalie will be playing the next game.

[tvp2003]

Originally Posted by MisterJoji

And just for clarity sake wasn't it Ramo vs. MacDonald for the opener last year? I believe Berra was still in the A.

You're right -- on opening night Berra was still with the Heat. But I always thought Joey Mac was more of an insurance policy -- both Ramo and Berra were expected to battle for the #1 spot (which Ramo clearly won given his play after the Olympic break).

[tvp2003]

After the back-to-back to start the season, edge has to go to Ramo thus far. While I thought Hiller was pretty solid against Vancouver, Ramo got the W so I have to think he gets the next start against St. Louis.

Another back-to-back next week (Nashville on Tuesday, Chicago on Wednesday), so we'll see both in action again before the road trip is done.

It's also interesting to see the contrast in styles -- Ramo is much more dynamic compared to Hiller, who relies on positioning and the butterfly...

[StrykerSteve]

Ramo > Hiller

[devo22]

as a fan I'm just happy that for the first time in 10 years, I can honestly say "I don't really care who's in net because I trust them both".

[Huntingwhale]

Way to early to say, but I'd go with Ramo. He made great strides last season, had a great pre season, and he's Finnish. But having Hiller is great too. Both quality net minders who will push each other to be better. I don't think goaltending will lose us too many games this season.