Flames recall Jon Gillies, David Rittich out day-to-day

The Calgary Flames will have to overcome a bit of an obstacle as they begin their four-game road trip. The club has recalled goaltender Jon Gillies from the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat due to a lower-body injury to starting netminder David Rittich.

Gillies, 24, is recalled for the second time this season – the previous stint in Calgary being due to an injury to Mike Smith. He’s played 12 career NHL games (and zero this season) with a 4-5-1 record, 2.71 goals against average and 0.903 save percentage.

With Rittich sidelined, the reins fall back to Smith. Smith has played one game since mid-December. He’s looked better of late, but he’s generally been shaky this season. He hasn’t played a ton lately because, to be blunt, Rittich has been the better option.

The Flames’ road trip takes them to Detroit on Wednesday night, Boston on Thursday night, Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon and concludes in Chicago on Monday night. Per Postmedia’s Wes Gilbertson, Rittich is traveling with the team.