The Anaheim Ducks were loaded at goaltender last season, so Jonas Hiller found himself nudged to the side for the younger Frederik Andersen and John Gibson this season.
The 32-year-old Hiller had a below-average .912 save percentage the past three seasons, not looking anything like the goaltender he was before dealing with vertigo in 2011.
But he has been a godsend for a Flames team that is getting killed in possession. The Flames are 26th in Fenwick close, according to Hockey-Reference.com, but Hiller's .948 save percentage in six starts is the biggest reason why the team is 5-4-2.
Hiller's October performance is as unsustainable as it gets, but posting a .948 in any given month after his past three seasons qualifies as surprising.
Trading Ramo would be a mistake. Their friendship and mutual competition is improving both goaltenders, Ramo is a competent starter in his own right and if the Flames are at all serious about winning relying completely on 32 year old Hiller would be unwise. Trade Ramo for a steal of a deal otherwise play both goalies and let them compete for the spot, the competition for roster spots is why we aren't in the bottom of the league right now.
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Called it in the Pre-Season, Hiller would have a monster year.
Even if his pace ebbs a little he's still a substantial upgrade on the quality of goaltending the Flames received for most of the year last year.
That alone should flip some of those 1 goal losses into W's and a few more loser points this year. the sum of Calgary's parts right now tells me they'll be in playoff contention right up to the end of the season.
EDIT: in terms of trading Ramo because of Hillers play? I lean more towards Ortio being traded and hope Gillies has a good enough season to turn pro.
Trading Ramo would be a mistake. Their friendship and mutual competition is improving both goaltenders, Ramo is a competent starter in his own right and if the Flames are at all serious about winning relying completely on 32 year old Hiller would be unwise. Trade Ramo for a steal of a deal otherwise play both goalies and let them compete for the spot, the competition for roster spots is why we aren't in the bottom of the league right now.
He's on his last year and Otio is knocking on the door with his one way deal next year so I would try and get anything I could for Rambo at the trade deadline. That us unless we are knocking at the door of the playoffs and need a steady goalie if an injury does occur to Hiller.
Keep all 3 IMO. Let the best man win every year nothing given always earned. I want Ramo and Ortio to play Hiller into retirement and if they can't, Hiller it is.
He's a bit of a mystery. He was bad two years ago IIRC, great last year, this year stinks.
He was great for two seasons in a row. He played really well in Europe, and was an All-star at the AHL level last season.
This year Adirondack has an offence first mentality and the worst defending I've ever seen. Neither goalie is able to handle all the cross-creases, turn-overs, screens, etc.
I suspect he'll round into form, but right now he's not getting any favours from his team-mates.
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Death by 4th round picks.
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Jonas Frickin Hiller
