Goaltending

[Wreckening]

Was finally able to see highlights of last night's game and I must say I'm impressed with Berra.  Very compact and fluid in the net.  For a stand up style which he plays he has very good leg speed when he goes down in the butterfly.  He's down and up really quick.  His glove hand is always facing the shooters which helps take away the top half of the net.  He really gives shooters little to look at.  Let's hope he can keep the ball rolling in Minny.

[travel_dude]

Was finally able to see highlights of last night's game and I must say I'm impressed with Berra.  Very compact and fluid in the net.  For a stand up style which he plays he has very good leg speed when he goes down in the butterfly.  He's down and up really quick.  His glove hand is always facing the shooters which helps take away the top half of the net.  He really gives shooters little to look at.  Let's hope he can keep the ball rolling in Minny.

I like that we have two goalies with different styles.  Coaching just needs to figure out which styles play the best against which teams.

Berra was solid, and what worked against a team like the Hawks was freezing the play a lot.  Lots of face-offs hurts a team like them, because they are great on the rush.  Beyond that, team defense kept a lot of shots to the perimeter. 

 

I haven't totally figured out Ramo's game yet; he does seem good on defending against break-aways.  Think he may be more of a butterfly goalie, but a bit scrambly at times.  Not enough games yet to get a read on him, though.

[dijnn]

Berra was AMAZING LAST NIGHT!

 

He did everything and more.... playing his first NHL game against former champs.... I mean that is ultimate test and he came out with an A++.

 

If he continues playing like he did last night he can easily be 1st goalie with Remo as a backup; however its too early to say that but from what I saw last night huge potential for long term goalie.

 

Lets face it Flames see on Average 30-45 shots a game and you need a solid goalie that allows 0 sofie goals in. Kipper was solid and Berra has massive shoes to fill. Good luck Berra looking forward to see more games with him in the net.

 

Go Flames Go.

[Carty]

[kehatch]

In 03/04 the Flames were a young team with a great work ethic that nobody expected to make the playoffs.  They had been out of the playoffs for a long time and on paper they didn't look all that good.  But they had a better then expected start mostly due to effort.  By Nov 20 they were hovering around the 0.500 mark and were outside the playoff picture.  The Flames were generally able to out shoot their opponents but goal was a major issue.  

 

The Flames went through a revolving number of goalies.  Long time back-up McLennan had trouble carrying the load.  Sabourin wasn't ready.  Turek wasn't ever able to establish himself as a legitimate starter.  So then GM Sutter traded a conditional 2-round pick to San Jose for their third string goalie.  Fans were mixed on the acquisition.  Many saw it as a stop gap and a failure by the Flames to address the real issue.  

 

On Nov 20, 2003 Kipper started his first game as a Flame.  He won the game posting a 0.957 SV%.  He then carries the team to game 7 of the cup finals.  

 

Fast forward to this season.  The Flames are not expected to make the playoffs.  They are off to a better start then expected.  Mostly based on effort.  We are hovering around 0.500.  Goal is holding us back.  Berra gets recalled to mixed and relatively low expectations.  He posts a 0.955 SV% and wins his first game.  

 

For clarity I think it is way to premature to say Berra is the next Kipper.  But the similarities between the 03 and 13 Flames is uncanny.  A rebuild is all about hope.  Might as well cash some of it in right now.  Hope he pulls another great start his next time up.  

[s4xon]

Fast forward to this season.  The Flames are not expected to make the playoffs.  They are off to a better start then expected.  Mostly based on effort.  We are hovering around 0.500.  Goal is holding us back.  Berra gets recalled to mixed and relatively low expectations.  He posts a 0.955 SV% and wins his first game.  

 

For clarity I think it is way to premature to say Berra is the next Kipper.  But the similarities between the 03 and 13 Flames is uncanny.  A rebuild is all about hope.  Might as well cash some of it in right now.  Hope he pulls another great start his next time up.  

 

It would be nice if history would repeat itself here.  Having another franchise goaltender fall in the laps of the Flames and their fans would be amazing, however, unrealistic...but anything can happen.

 

It would be nice if the Flames surprise and steal a playoff spot this season.  If given one of our goaltenders (or both) can carry the load, I'm sure the forwards can get it done.  It's been a pleasant surprise thus far, and I've notices a few more Flames fans coming out of the woodworks and snagging a place back on the bandwagon.

 

Most of everything I said starts with "It would be nice." and that is where I'm going to hold my expectations.  If it happens, it'll be a fun ride, if not, there's no disappointment from this camp.

[Wreckening]

In 03/04 the Flames were a young team with a great work ethic that nobody expected to make the playoffs.  They had been out of the playoffs for a long time and on paper they didn't look all that good.  But they had a better then expected start mostly due to effort.  By Nov 20 they were hovering around the 0.500 mark and were outside the playoff picture.  The Flames were generally able to out shoot their opponents but goal was a major issue.  

 

The Flames went through a revolving number of goalies.  Long time back-up McLennan had trouble carrying the load.  Sabourin wasn't ready.  Turek wasn't ever able to establish himself as a legitimate starter.  So then GM Sutter traded a conditional 2-round pick to San Jose for their third string goalie.  Fans were mixed on the acquisition.  Many saw it as a stop gap and a failure by the Flames to address the real issue.  

 

On Nov 20, 2003 Kipper started his first game as a Flame.  He won the game posting a 0.957 SV%.  He then carries the team to game 7 of the cup finals.  

 

Fast forward to this season.  The Flames are not expected to make the playoffs.  They are off to a better start then expected.  Mostly based on effort.  We are hovering around 0.500.  Goal is holding us back.  Berra gets recalled to mixed and relatively low expectations.  He posts a 0.955 SV% and wins his first game.  

 

For clarity I think it is way to premature to say Berra is the next Kipper.  But the similarities between the 03 and 13 Flames is uncanny.  A rebuild is all about hope.  Might as well cash some of it in right now.  Hope he pulls another great start his next time up.  

I found it hard to read this, not because it was poorly written, but because you are bang on with the similarities and I just don't want to get my hopes up  .  That said, anything is possible.  I'm just impressed with the work ethic this team has bought into.  They are never really out of it and are managing to win games against strong teams.  What more can you ask for of a rebuilding team?

[travel_dude]

In 03/04 the Flames were a young team with a great work ethic that nobody expected to make the playoffs.  They had been out of the playoffs for a long time and on paper they didn't look all that good.  But they had a better then expected start mostly due to effort.  By Nov 20 they were hovering around the 0.500 mark and were outside the playoff picture.  The Flames were generally able to out shoot their opponents but goal was a major issue.  

 

The Flames went through a revolving number of goalies.  Long time back-up McLennan had trouble carrying the load.  Sabourin wasn't ready.  Turek wasn't ever able to establish himself as a legitimate starter.  So then GM Sutter traded a conditional 2-round pick to San Jose for their third string goalie.  Fans were mixed on the acquisition.  Many saw it as a stop gap and a failure by the Flames to address the real issue.  

 

On Nov 20, 2003 Kipper started his first game as a Flame.  He won the game posting a 0.957 SV%.  He then carries the team to game 7 of the cup finals.  

 

Fast forward to this season.  The Flames are not expected to make the playoffs.  They are off to a better start then expected.  Mostly based on effort.  We are hovering around 0.500.  Goal is holding us back.  Berra gets recalled to mixed and relatively low expectations.  He posts a 0.955 SV% and wins his first game.  

 

For clarity I think it is way to premature to say Berra is the next Kipper.  But the similarities between the 03 and 13 Flames is uncanny.  A rebuild is all about hope.  Might as well cash some of it in right now.  Hope he pulls another great start his next time up.  

Spooky.

 

Another thing that sounded similar was Harley talking about 5 game sets.  Dutter did a similar thing as they got closer to the playoffs, so that they wouldn't look at the standings so much.  The fireman's helmet is a throwback to the green hardhat as well.  The one thing missing is Marty Gelinas as the FO specialist.

 

We have two Finnish goalies in the system; Ramo and Ortio (from the same place as Kipper).

 

I will hold off a wee bit on the predictions, as we haven't been too successful in Cali yet.  When we can beat the Ducks in Anaheim, then we may have something.

[jjgallow]

 

Berra Funny

[jjgallow]

I am not ready to anoint him as our goalie of the future.  But it was certainly a good start.  Not just the win, but his fundamentals seems good.  

 

Sums it up nicely.  I am still a little shocked at how well he played last night.

 

That being said, this is the same guy that was legitimately beat by Ramo in the preseason, one of the few things on here we all agreed with at that time.

 

He is also the same guy that, in the AHL....never mind, Dirty Deeds will kill me.

 

You can bet the Minnesota is reviewing Berra video as we speak.

 

If he can maintain this level of play, then the conversation gets much more interesting.

 

In the meantime.....can we loan JMac to another AHL team or something?  I Like the guy, but....

[travel_dude]

Sums it up nicely.  I am still a little shocked at how well he played last night.

 

That being said, this is the same guy that was legitimately beat by Ramo in the preseason, one of the few things on here we all agreed with at that time.

 

He is also the same guy that, in the AHL....never mind, Dirty Deeds will kill me.

 

You can bet the Minnesota is reviewing Berra video as we speak.

 

If he can maintain this level of play, then the conversation gets much more interesting.

 

In the meantime.....can we loan JMac to another AHL team or something?  I Like the guy, but....

Don't worry man, Ortio is playing hot, so he will get the starts.  Ward wants to win as well, and there is no pressure from management to develop JoeyMac. He is only there as a backup, and will (might) only get a call up if one of the Flames tenders is injured or falls on him face.  His parting comments probably soured the coach a bit.  You might be more likely to see Ortio as a call up.

[403Loyalty]

Sums it up nicely.  I am still a little shocked at how well he played last night.

 

That being said, this is the same guy that was legitimately beat by Ramo in the preseason, one of the few things on here we all agreed with at that time.

 

He is also the same guy that, in the AHL....never mind, Dirty Deeds will kill me.

 

You can bet the Minnesota is reviewing Berra video as we speak.

 

If he can maintain this level of play, then the conversation gets much more interesting.

 

In the meantime.....can we loan JMac to another AHL team or something?  I Like the guy, but....

I don't know where you get legitimately from. iMHO I thought he was better than Ramo. And in Feasters own words he was only slightly behind ramo but due to waivers to send down Joey Mac they didn't want to risk it ( turns out no risk ). Also Clint malarchuk wanted Berra to stay.

[phoenix66]

Don't worry man, Ortio is playing hot, so he will get the starts.  Ward wants to win as well, and there is no pressure from management to develop JoeyMac. He is only there as a backup, and will (might) only get a call up if one of the Flames tenders is injured or falls on him face.  His parting comments probably soured the coach a bit.  You might be more likely to see Ortio as a call up.

I missed that..what did jmac have to say?

[cross16]

I missed that..what did jmac have to say?

Called out he team in front of him saying they needed to play better defensively. That was after the Detroit game too where he lets n there al softer but he seemed to imply he was let down by the guys in front of him.

[Lucid_Flame91]

ST. PAUL, MN -- Calgary Flames prospect Laurent Brossoit has played in three games for the Alaska Aces (ECHL) and he has yet to allow a single goal.

 

The netminder posted two shutouts for the Aces this weekend, making 32 saves in a pair of games against the Bakersfield Condors. The back-to-back shutouts were the first by the Aces since Oct. 29-30, 2010 (Gerald Coleman and Adam Courchaine at Las Vegas and Bakersfield).

 

He also played in a portion of the Aces clash with the Condors on Nov. 1, stopping 8 shots.

The Aces sit first in the ECHL Western Conference with 14 points and a 7-1-0 record. They have allowed just 9 goals this year, the least in the league.

 

Brossoit, who was the Flames sixth round pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, has also spent time with the Abbotsford Heat this year. He is in his first professional season after spending three years with the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL.

[travel_dude]

ST. PAUL, MN -- Calgary Flames prospect Laurent Brossoit has played in three games for the Alaska Aces (ECHL) and he has yet to allow a single goal.

 

The netminder posted two shutouts for the Aces this weekend, making 32 saves in a pair of games against the Bakersfield Condors. The back-to-back shutouts were the first by the Aces since Oct. 29-30, 2010 (Gerald Coleman and Adam Courchaine at Las Vegas and Bakersfield).

 

He also played in a portion of the Aces clash with the Condors on Nov. 1, stopping 8 shots.

The Aces sit first in the ECHL Western Conference with 14 points and a 7-1-0 record. They have allowed just 9 goals this year, the least in the league.

 

Brossoit, who was the Flames sixth round pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, has also spent time with the Abbotsford Heat this year. He is in his first professional season after spending three years with the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL.

One step at a time for LB.  He needs to gain confidence before coming back to the AHL.  His last two games were forgetable.  There is no rush with him, as we have 3 better goalies ahead of him on the depth chart, and another playing his butt off in the NCAA.

In fact, it is actually better for him to stay in the ECHL for now, as JoeyMac can play a limited backup role on the Heat.

 

For now, until proven otherwise by a significant number of starts, we have 2 quality goalies in the NHL.  Ramo will get better, and Berra could stay the same, and we have 1a/1b goalies.  Many probably feel Ramo has been crap, but he is still adjusting to the style of game and the lack of defensive help.  He's has two very good games (LA & WASH) and a couple where he let in some softies.  His first game should have been a win, but OV and the team woke up.

 

Ortio will eventually get a call up, assuming we can send someone down without waiving them or someone is injured.  That will come in time.  Brossoit will get back to the AHL once they decide he is ready.  Joey will probably get traded to a team in need of a backup later in the year, probably for future considerations.  No real value there.  

[403Loyalty]

One step at a time for LB.  He needs to gain confidence before coming back to the AHL.  His last two games were forgetable.  There is no rush with him, as we have 3 better goalies ahead of him on the depth chart, and another playing his butt off in the NCAA.

In fact, it is actually better for him to stay in the ECHL for now, as JoeyMac can play a limited backup role on the Heat.

 

For now, until proven otherwise by a significant number of starts, we have 2 quality goalies in the NHL.  Ramo will get better, and Berra could stay the same, and we have 1a/1b goalies.  Many probably feel Ramo has been crap, but he is still adjusting to the style of game and the lack of defensive help.  He's has two very good games (LA & WASH) and a couple where he let in some softies.  His first game should have been a win, but OV and the team woke up.

 

Ortio will eventually get a call up, assuming we can send someone down without waiving them or someone is injured.  That will come in time.  Brossoit will get back to the AHL once they decide he is ready.  Joey will probably get traded to a team in need of a backup later in the year, probably for future considerations.  No real value there.  

I will say this now, we will not see Ortio called up unless major injuries are had to our goaltenders and its a must need.

[travel_dude]

I will say this now, we will not see Ortio called up unless major injuries are had to our goaltenders and its a must need.

It is possible that they want to see a few games to see how his game is progressing.  More likely in the near future.  Less likely if we are fighting for a playoff spot.  They can call him up (assuming he is waiver exempt) and carry 3 goalies by dropping a D down to the AHL again (Smith/Butler/Billings).

[Zoller]

Don't worry man, Ortio is playing hot, so he will get the starts.  Ward wants to win as well, and there is no pressure from management to develop JoeyMac. He is only there as a backup, and will (might) only get a call up if one of the Flames tenders is injured or falls on him face.  His parting comments probably soured the coach a bit.  You might be more likely to see Ortio as a call up.

 

Hopefully Ortio's strong play has earned the trust of Troy Ward because he is the one who makes the call over who gets the starts. There was pressure from the management to develope Leland Irving and we all know what happened there. Troy Ward's job is to win and he will play whoever he feels gives the team the best chance.

 

I'm pulling for Ortio to be honest. Jmac would be great in a backup role for the heat if he brings the right attitude. And it would serve Brossoit well to have a year in the ECHL. Run with Berra/Ramo for 2 seasons and see where our 3 prospects are after that.

[travel_dude]

Hopefully Ortio's strong play has earned the trust of Troy Ward because he is the one who makes the call over who gets the starts. There was pressure from the management to develope Leland Irving and we all know what happened there. Troy Ward's job is to win and he will play whoever he feels gives the team the best chance.

 

I'm pulling for Ortio to be honest. Jmac would be great in a backup role for the heat if he brings the right attitude. And it would serve Brossoit well to have a year in the ECHL. Run with Berra/Ramo for 2 seasons and see where our 3 prospects are after that.

JMac hasn't exactly endeared himself to the Flames.  Being sent down doesn't mean you get the call to start either.  Joey will need to earn the trust from Ward. 

[jjgallow]

I will say this now, we will not see Ortio called up unless major injuries are had to our goaltenders and its a must need.

 

I agree with this.   I really think the best place for Ortio is the AHL as their starting goaltender right now.  Not the ECHL, not SM Liiga, and not the NHL.    If he is allowed to develop this year as an AHL starter, then maybe next year he gets his NHL callups.  Maybe more than that.   But right now, he still has a lot of development to do to realize his potential.

 

Gillies is the strongest right now, but we will have to wait longer for him.   I see Ortio as our next bright hope in goal.

 

Although, Berra has made me blink.

[C_worthy]

That being said, this is the same guy that was legitimately beat by Ramo in the preseason, one of the few things on here we all agreed with at that time.

What?

They played a few periods each.

Nobody beat out anybody. Ramo had the position to lose and there simply wasn't enough evidence to overturn that.

However, Hartley's comments were extremely positive towards Berra throughout camp.

Regardless of who stayed to start the season, it takes more than a few games to see who's better. Let it play out

[JTech780]

The thing that impressed me the most with Berra last game was just the calmness and poise he had back there. There was never a sense of panic in his game. If he can keep that up it will be really key for this young team. 

[C_worthy]

The thing that impressed me the most with Berra last game was just the calmness and poise he had back there. There was never a sense of panic in his game. If he can keep that up it will be really key for this young team. 

That was the big thing for me too.

Stay calm and stay square to the puck.

In the NHL, the D usually know what they are doing. And the play is more predictable. So playing goal can also be more 'predictable'.

Goalies that remain square to the puck, keep their head, and excel at fundamentals are the goalies that are successful.

[jjgallow]

What?

They played a few periods each.

 

A few games

 

Nobody beat out anybody.  Ramo had the position to lose and there simply wasn't enough evidence to overturn that.

However, Hartley's comments were extremely positive towards Berra throughout camp.

Regardless of who stayed to start the season, it takes more than a few games to see who's better. Let it play out

 

I think it just played out..