The Calgary Flames went out and signed free agent Jonas Hiller to a two-year, $9-million deal over the summer because they needed a bona fide No. 1 in net. Right?
Well, early into the season that logic has been flipped on its head. Hiller is 0-2-0 with his new club, while “backup” Karri Ramo is now a perfect 2-0-0 with a .934 save percentage. (Ramo is scheduled to get his own shot at the open market next summer.)
None of the 57 saves the Finn has made this season was prettier than the sliding glove stop he made on Nashville’s Craig Smith Tuesday night to preserve a 2-2 tie in the third period.
“It was a tough game to get myself into. I felt every shot was blocked or tipped high or missed. I didn’t see much in the first two,” Ramo told Sportsnet after turning away all Preds in the shootout and earning a 3-2 win. “The game is 2-2, so you try to keep yourself focused.”
Ramo’s golden glove would be the hands-down (hands-up?) play of the night were it not for new Nashville centre Derek Roy.
In the second period, with the score 2-1 Flames, the back-checking forward rescued goalie Pekka Rinne by sweeping away a Devin Setoguchi shot at the last possible moment, keeping the game close — and eventually earning the Central Division-leading Nashville its fifth standings point.
That’s right. Central Division-leading Nashville. Say it while you can.
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Bonus Beat: The undefeated Karri Ramo discusses his shootout victory