Rittich starts tomorrow. #Flames
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David Rittich starts Saturday against Edmonton

The Calgary Flames hit the practice ice today as they prepare for Saturday’s Battle of Alberta against the Edmonton Oilers. One big question mark was who would start in net for the locals after Mike Smith’s performance against Montreal on Thursday evening.
Rittich, 26, has been the Flames’ best goaltender this season (and it’s not even close). In six starts, he’s posted a 5-1-0 record. His even strength save percentage is a sterling .951. He’s performed extremely well and deserves to start.
In other lineup news (courtesy Pat Steinberg):
- Elias Lindholm missed practice for maintenance, related to a shot block in the second period. He’s expected to play, though.
- Dillon Dube practiced and is anticipated as being in the lineup on Saturday, which should bump Austin Czarnik to the press box.
Anticipated lines for Saturday night:
Gaudreau – Monahan – Lindholm
Tkachuk – Backlund – Bennett
Dube – Jankowski – Neal
Frolik – Ryan – Hathaway
Tkachuk – Backlund – Bennett
Dube – Jankowski – Neal
Frolik – Ryan – Hathaway
Giordano – Brodie
Hanifin – Hamonic
Valimaki – Andersson
Hanifin – Hamonic
Valimaki – Andersson
Breaking News
- Flames backup Devin Cooley gets sweet revenge over Oilers in pre-Olympic win
- Beyond the Boxscore: Flames defence excellent in 4-3 takedown of Oilers
- Flames injury news: Jonathan Huberdeau to have season-ending hip surgery, per Friedman
- Flames assign Matvei Gridin and Hunter Brzustewicz to the AHL’s Wranglers for Olympic break
- Instant Reaction: Flames beat Edmonton to head into Olympic break
