Karri Ramo leaves game with injury

Quick, somebody wrap Jiri Hudler and Kris Russell in bubblewrap.

With just three minutes left in regulation between the Flames and the Sharks, Sam Bennett and Mark Giordano took penalties at the same time. It was Giordano’s that was particularly costly, though, as his hauling down Joonas Donskoi led to a collision with Ramo – one that seemed to hurt his leg, and one that definitely ended his night.

Ramo was unable to skate off under his own power, so this projects to be bad.

Earlier in the game, the Flames lost another upcoming unrestricted free agent (and potential trade bait) in David Jones.

Ramo, however, has been the Flames’ starter most of the season. He should have a fair amount of value as a deadline pickup to a team looking to solidify their goaltending – and let’s keep in mind the Flames are facing a team whose backup goalie, Alex Stalock, did give up five goals on 20 shots through regulation.

However, considering how the trade deadline is just two and a half weeks away, and Ramo couldn’t even put weight on his leg, it really doesn’t look good.

In-game, Jonas Hiller came in cold for the final three minutes and did successfully kill a two-minute 5-on-3 penalty, as well as making several insane saves in overtime to keep the Flames in it. Attentions could perhaps turn to Hiller, whether as the Flames’ starter in the meantime, or even as trade bait, should a team be desperate enough – although if Ramo’s injury is longer term, trading him would officially be waving the flag on the season.

This also means it’s entirely possible Joni Ortio makes his return to the NHL – or Kevin Poulin may even make his Flames debut.

But no matter how you look at this: this is bad. You never want to see anybody get hurt, but at this time of year, it’s a whole other level of awful.

Hopefully it’s not as bad as it looks for Ramo.

A recall is definitely in the cards, although one has to think Hiller is getting the start tomorrow night (and, considering it’s a back-to-back, might have been regardless). The Flames may be headed to Phoenix, but the Heat are in Stockton at the moment, so whichever goalie gets the call won’t have far to travel.