Rittich starts tomorrow. #Flames
Nation Sites
The Nation Network
FlamesNation has no direct affiliation to the Calgary Flames, Calgary Sports and Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
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