Calgary Flames Oct 5th - 6th Practices

[hockey.modern]

If I'm not mistaken these practices will be running from 10am-1pm at the Saddledome for the two days before the season opener. (Free Admission) if anyone has the time it's an opportunity to see what that final lineups may be and what changes are to happen. I will try to update from the Flames media etc, if anything stands out.

[Erick Estrada]

I hope Hartley gets his lines finalized as soon as possible as the team kind of looked out of sorts in the preseason as it's important not to come out of the gates slow as if you are out of the playoffs in November/December chances are you aren't going to make it.

[sureLoss]

Wes Gilbertson @SUNGilbertson
#Flames RW Jiri Hudler missing from practice this morning. Missed third period Saturday, but coach Bob Hartley called it "very minor.

Raymond and Byron missing from practice as well after being put on waivers.

[sureLoss]

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
Smid skating in Hudler's place on the top line this morning. Don't get used to that. #Flames

Aaron Vickers @AAVickers
#Flames lines this AM:
Bouma-Baclund-Frolik;
Gaudreau-Monahan-SMID;
Bollig-Stajan-Jones;
Ferland-Bennett-Jooris
Smid holding Hudler's spot.

[sureLoss]

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
#Flames D unchanged too:
Giordano-Hamilton;
Russell-Wideman;
Engelland-Kulak. Things starting to become pretty clear for opening night.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
Smid skating in Hudler's place on the top line this morning. Don't get used to that. #Flames

Aaron Vickers @AAVickers
#Flames lines this AM:
Bouma-Baclund-Frolik;
Gaudreau-Monahan-SMID;
Bollig-Stajan-Jones;
Ferland-Bennett-Jooris
Smid holding Hudler's spot.

LOL. Smiddy on the top line is awesome. I wish there was one more preseason game just to watch that actually happen

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I hope Hartley gets his lines finalized as soon as possible as the team kind of looked out of sorts in the preseason as it's important not to come out of the gates slow as if you are out of the playoffs in November/December chances are you aren't going to make it.

Doomsday much? Sheesh.

[sureLoss]

Ramo has won the #1 goaltender spot... for now.

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
Ramo gets the start on Wednesday. #Flames

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Doomsday much? Sheesh.

Overreact much? Where did I say they were destined to miss the playoffs? The Flames got off to a good start last season and that kind of set the table for a playoff appearance. IMO the Flames will be in the same sort of tight race they were last season for a playoff spot and it's important that they don't start overly slow.

[sureLoss]

Randy Sportak @SUNRandySportak
#Flames coach Hartley said Hudler wasn't on ice today because he's sick.

[Muta]

Good for Kulak. Really, the only surprise at camp. I'm excited to see how he handles this step up in competition.

[dammage79]

Derek Wills ‏@Fan960Wills 53s53 seconds ago
Karri Ramo and Jonas Hiller will be two goaltenders dressed for #Flames in season-opener vs. #Canucks on Wednesday.

Randy Sportak ‏@SUNRandySportak 1m1 minute ago
Hartley also says Ortio is No. 3 on the depth chart. #Flames

What? How in the hell is Ortio #3 on the depth chart? Love Hartley but their eye on goaltending is drunk.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Derek Wills ‏@Fan960Wills 53s53 seconds ago
Karri Ramo and Jonas Hiller will be two goaltenders dressed for #Flames in season-opener vs. #Canucks on Wednesday.

Randy Sportak ‏@SUNRandySportak 1m1 minute ago
Hartley also says Ortio is No. 3 on the depth chart. #Flames

What? How in the hell is Ortio #3 on the depth chart? Love Hartley but their eye on goaltending is drunk.

Both Ramo and Hiller played as well as Ortio in preseason games IMO.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Ramo has won the #1 goaltender spot... for now.

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
Ramo gets the start on Wednesday. #Flames

Not sure if this is good or bad for Ramo. Last year the Flames were terrible in their opener against the Canucks and haven't won an opening game since 2009 (against the Canucks coincidentally). If he loses does the next man up start game two?

[Fire]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Both Ramo and Hiller played as well as Ortio in preseason games IMO.

I agree, it would be disrespectful not having Hiller back up Ramo, but I do hope the Flames don't drag the 3 goalie thing out too long.

[442scotty]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Both Ramo and Hiller played as well as Ortio in preseason games IMO.

Yep... Ortio didn't exactly play lights out in preseason which you would want to see if you are going to move him up the ladder

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by 442scotty

Yep... Ortio didn't exactly play lights out in preseason which you would want to see if you are going to move him up the ladder

He posted a shutout against Colorado's A-team while having an AHL squad in front of him. I don't believe Hartley was coaching in that game either.

[Toonage]

Ortio at #3 isn't a condemnation. He played well during the pre-season and got the longest look. Hiller (and Ramo) will be given a few games to either play their way off the team and into the AHL or as a way of showcasing them to teams that may require goaltending a week or two into the season.

[saillias]

I would've gone with Hiller. He had a lights out preseason and came out of the gate really strong last year too. Ramo looks like same old Ramo.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by saillias

I would've gone with Hiller. He had a lights out preseason and came out of the gate really strong last year too. Ramo looks like same old Ramo.

I forgot about Hiller's performance to start last season. I remember he absolutely stole that game vs. Chicago at the dome. I think they had like 53 shots or something and the Flames won 2-1. Honestly I think those first 10 games of excellent goaltending were a huge factor in giving the team the confidence they needed to realize they could actually be a playoff team.