Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo Must Improve For Flames

It’s hard to blame one position when a team is struggling, but when they are on a seven-game losing streak like the Calgary Flames, you know your goaltending hasn’t been as good as it should be. Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo both played well prior to the current seven-game losing streak. They were a bright spot on Calgary’s roster, winning with a team that no one thought would win like they did. They are now presented with a new set of challenges, as they must prove they can bounce back, and get a win for a team that desperately needs one.

Hiller, who was brought in to Calgary through free-agency was, and still is, a great boost to the Flames lineup. He brings a wealth of experience with a winning record in 347 career games played. He’s been posting some great numbers statistically this season and seems to have adjusted well to playing for the Flames.

Ramo doesn’t have quite the same level of experience as his Hiller, but he has had stretches of great play including a six-game win streak earlier in the season. The 28-year-old has made a case as to why he should be the No. 1 option in net and has left Coach Bob Hartley with a tough choice to make every game.

The combination of Hiller and Ramo in net worked out well in the early part of the season, but after losing seven in a row, they both need to step it up.  Together they have combined for a .841 save percentage over the losing streak, which is never going to lead to wins. Both goalies are mature enough to handle the situation properly, and if this team is to be successful, they must improve across the board.

Shaun Lavery is a Calgary Flames writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, or add him to your network on Google.