Flames Goaltending
Flames’ Goaltending Still in Question as Playoffs Draw Near
March 10th, 2019 For the Calgary Flames, it seemed like the issue was put to bed ages ago. Not only was netminder Mike Smith finally hitting his stride, but newbie goalie David Rittich also looked to be coming into form. In many respects, the Flames appeared to have successfully found a...
Flames' Smith Seizing Latest Opportunity
February 22nd, 2019 Every NHL campaign produces a slew of story lines and there’s no doubt that the 2018-19 saga for Calgary Flames’ netminder Mike Smith has already featured multiple chapters. In a season that's been quite trying at times, the 36-year-old veteran is currently on one of...
Rittich Emerging as One of Flames' Brightest Stars
December 29th, 2018 The breakout campaign for David Rittich shows no signs of slowing as the talented 26-year-old has not only entrenched himself as the top goaltending option for the Calgary Flames, but also as one of their most valuable commodities. He was masterful in a 35-save performance...
Flames Options for Replacing Smith
December 27th, 2018 The 2018-19 Calgary Flames are a terrific scoring team whose most likely fatal weakness remains in net. Namely, they need a more reliable backup or "1B" goalie than 36-year-old Mike Smith. In a 3-1 loss on Dec. 22 against the St. Louis Blues, Smith proved his doubters...
Smith's Return to Form a Welcome Sight for Flames
December 12th, 2018 While fans of the Calgary Flames certainly had a right to be quite concerned about the early season struggles of No. 1 goaltender Mike Smith, the good news is that it appears as though the 36-year-old veteran has turned the corner in a major way. Smith, who...
Flames Still Searching for a Good Starter
December 5th, 2018 On Sunday, Calgary Flames goalie Mike Smith helped lead his team to a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, his third straight win. However, there is still little reason to think Smith should reclaim the job of the number one goalie. That Smith got another...
Smith's Struggles Open Door for Rittich
November 19th, 2018 The Calgary Flames made a lot of moves during the 2018 off-season, touching upon nearly every area of their roster. They raised a few eyebrows when they didn't address their goaltending, as backup netminder David Rittich was considered something of a question...
Controversy in the Calgary Crease?
November 7th, 2018 Is there a goalie controversy brewing in Calgary? If not, should there be? The question wasn't relevant when the season started, with Calgary Flames goaltender Mike Smith as the clear-cut number one and David Rittich sliding into the backup role after a less...
Flames Season Hinges on Defensive Zone Success
October 29th, 2018 There's an old joke in hockey: "Goaltending is 50% of the game unless you don't get it, then it's 90% of the game." Since the retirement of Miikka Kiprusoff in 2013, you could make an argument that goaltending has occupied the minds of Calgary Flames hockey...
Flames Need Net Depth for Season Success
September 17th, 2018 The Calgary Flames missed the postseason in 2017-18 and did so due to the conflation of several smaller challenges that snowballed on them. While no one factor caused their season to unravel, the single largest factor was their goaltending. While Mike Smith was...
Projecting Flames 2018-19 Opening Night Roster: Goalies & Defense
August 27th, 2018 The Calgary Flames had high hopes for the 2017-18 season after loading up the prior summer with high-price talent. Unfortunately their season disappointed, and that disappointment has led to another busy summer for general manager Brad Treliving. Expectations remain...
The Importance of Mike Smith
January 29th, 2018 On June 17, 2017, Mike Smith was acquired by the Calgary Flames from the Arizona Coyotes for goaltender Chad Johnson, defense prospect Brandon Hickey and a conditional third-round pick. At the time, many were skeptical about the deal wondering what they were getting in a...
Smith Earns the Last Laugh Against Coyotes
December 1st, 2017 Thursday's game at the Scotiabank Saddledome was a significant one for both the Arizona Coyotes and the Calgary Flames. It marked the first matchup between the two Pacific Division opponents since the Coyotes traded long-time goaltender Mike Smith to the Flames on June 17....
