Opening Night Backup

[Split98]

As excited as we are for the season to start, the backup position remains wide-open. Unfortunately, this isn't due to a goaltender battle I think we all expected as neither Rittich and Gillies have shown to be capable this pre-season.

I've been watching with unhealthy optimism that one of these guys was going to seize their opportunity this pre-season but I haven't seen anything but concerning outings from those two. Which puts fans in the position of looking to elsewhere for an answer. There's a trade, but there's also Parsons of course. He's had his own gaffs this pre-season, but has definitely looked like the more reliable of the trio. At the very least, he's showing Flames fans that last year was an odd one for him.

So the question lies - is one of the two going to be given the opening night roster spot... or do they look to Tyler instead and give him an opportunity to stay up? Unless Rittich or Gillies improve, they could be watching their opportunity pass by this year or next.

[transplant99]

It will be Gillies IMO.

He had one rough outing but has been OK otherwise.

Rittich has been flat out bad and Parsons is just too green at this point.

[Iceman90]

As I mentioned this week on Fireside Chat, I think the Flames should start the season with either Kari Lehtonen or Steve Mason (both UFAs) as their backup. If Smith goes down with an injury, both of these guys have shown they are capable of shouldering an NHL starter load for a short period.

[kukkudo]

I would see if one of Mason or Lehtonen would take 750-850k for 1 year. Smith goes down and that is it for the season.

[flambers]

I bet the Flames will start the season with Rittich, however they will be watching the waiver wire closely.

To see if there are any other options available.

Rittich has struggled however Gillies has also been inconsistent.

Since Rittich requires waivers, Gillies will be sent down.

[Iceman90]

Originally Posted by kukkudo

I would see if one of Mason or Lehtonen would take 750-850k for 1 year. Smith goes down and that is it for the season.

I bet you could get either one for less than $1.5 million.

[Jiggy]

I wonder if the Flames could pry Keith Kinkaid from the Devils. I would love him as our back up.

[Fire]

Not confident with either backup goalie at the moment but I would go with Gillies as well. Rittich seems to have a rebound and confidence problem. Very low chance that Rittich would be picked up on waivers and if the Flames don't believe in him it wouldn't be a big loss if he was claimed.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by flambers

I bet the Flames will start the season with Rittich, however they will be watching the waiver wire closely.

To see if there are any other options available.

Rittich has struggled however Gillies has also been inconsistent.

Since Rittich requires waivers, Gillies will be sent down.

Who is going to take him and keep him on their NHL roster?

No one would claim him, and management knows this.

[Matty81]

Gillies has earned it so far. Rittich has been bad.

So disappointing to see the flames spend so many decent draft picks on highly rated goalie prospects recently like parsons, gillies and mcdonald and seeing them all fall flat as pros.

With a 36 year old starter it puts the team in a position where they will need to spend significant assets to acquire a starter next year.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by Matty81

Gillies has earned it so far. Rittich has been bad.

So disappointing to see the flames spend so many decent draft picks on highly rated goalie prospects recently like parsons, gillies and mcdonald and seeing them all fall flat as pros.

With a 36 year old starter it puts the team in a position where they will need to spend significant assets to acquire a starter next year.

I would keep Parsons out of that group for now. Let's see how he does when he's healthy and splitting time in Stockton first.

From a few viewings he looks like he's rebounded and is very determined.

[Geeoff]

I'd sign Steve Mason.

If I had to pick from our group, I'd go with Gillies

[savardandjokinen]

I’d sign Mason or Lehtonen too.

I wouldn’t have said that before camp

[EVERLAST]

They have to figure this out agreed. Rittich and Gillies both need playing time and Rittich got his chance last year and Gillies I think deserves a shot now.

I hate that were thinking of having to play Smith 55+ games to win. If we are playing well in front of any of our goalies we wouldn't need to have this conversation.

Hopefully we can clean things up enough that the issue being debated doesn't show such a glaring need.

I hope Parsons doesn't get thrown in to early as 1 More year of experience in the A makes the most sense.

I don't wanna see Tyler get bounced back and forth from the A to Echl again this year after what we learned from last yesrs issues for him.

[icecube]

Lehtonen or Mason would definitely be an upgrade on Gillies or Rittich. You can sleep soundly if those guys are your backup goalie.

I hope one of Rittich or Gillies can pan out eventually but time is running out fast. Rittich has flat out dropped the ball this preseason.

[ComixZone]

I still believe in Jon Gillies. The only hiccup he had was in the first Beijing game, and if we aren't blaming Smith for his game on Monday night then we can't blame Gillies for that string of 3 quick goals against. He just got beat by some shots.

While my belief in Gillies has only risen with time, my belief in Rittich has sadly dwindled.

I definitely want no part of Steve Mason. He's inconsistent and doesn't add anything to the team. I think Mason would be another Lack.

Gillies is young and still improving. He's earned it - and this organization has to stop putting crappy veterans in front of homegrown players who may actually be able to take steps forward.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Gillies has been the best goaltender in camp. A two minute team meltdown in China has been the major blemish. Rittich and Smith have looked pretty bad. Rittich played himself off the team so far. Gillies is the backup. I’d still be looking for help. Smith is not the answer as a starter.

[Geeoff]

Honestly, if Rittich isn't a back-up at this point, we're probably better off with the roster spot. Would be worth it to get Parsons big minutes in the AHL

[Ozy_Flame]

I'm not sure I am seeing the same performance of Gillies as other people, but I would say he's proven to be a steady backup to start. Rittich has looked much more shaky and unreliable, and with Smith starting the majority of this season, Gillies is primed to take over that #1 spot. I think he'll get better as the season rolls on and he plays a bit more in the second half of the season, just my hunch.

[Toonage]

I think there will be a move of some sort. Maybe even a waiver pick up depending on who comes available.