Joni Ortio Comes Up Big As Calgary Flames Start Five-Game Road Trip With A Win

As a goalie, there are few better ways to start off your 2014-15 NHL campaign than with a 1-0 shutout win, which is exactly what Joni Ortio did against the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 10, earning his first career shutout. Upon Karri Ramo’s injury, Ortio was called up with the intention of backing up Jonas Hiller. Then Hiller had a poor performance and Ortio was looked to for a big game. His play and timing couldn’t have been better for a couple of reasons, but in the end he gave the Calgary Flames a spark they so desperately needed.  

Coming into the contest against the Canucks, the Flames found themselves on a three game slide, and their game against Vancouver marked the first of a five-game road trip. The Pacific road swing is one that no one in the NHL looks forward to; having to go through the likes of the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks is no easy task in today’s powerhouse filled Western Conference. It becomes especially hard when you have to do it while on a losing streak. Enter Joni Ortio.

It was questioned if Ortio would even start against the Canucks, but due to Hiller’s less than stellar play against the Florida Panthers on Jan. 9, something needed to change. When you call up a goalie from the AHL and stick him in net, it is likely that your team will play with a little jump in their step. They will do whatever possible to protect the often young and inexperienced net-minder, resulting in more blocked shots and better defensive play overall. This was true in a sense for the Flames against the Canucks, but the true star was Ortio. Making 36 saves is far from an easy night in net, and having to do it against a good team and hated rival in Vancouver makes it all the more special.

It’s winning games like these down the stretch that really help you get into the playoff picture; it’s not always pretty, but your team finds a way. Ortio provided a big boost for the Flames, and it might just help them as they endure many tough tests in the coming days.

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