David Rittich/Cam Talbot (Calgary Flames)
The Calgary Flames are very much in the spot to play spoiler for either the Boston Bruins or Tampa Bay Lightning. Florida have one game left versus the Flames, while Tampa and Boston both face them twice in this final stretch.
David Rittich is proving that last year wasn’t just a flash in the pan and that he is genuine NHL starters’ material. Granted, he conceded 6 in the recent ‘Battle of Alberta’ but that was likely a result of coming in cold after the GOALIE FIGHT that night!
The big Czech goalie has proven himself consistent this year, even when the Flames players in front of him have epitomised inconsistency. In 38 starts, he’s managed to tally 20 wins including 2 shut-outs.
With a save percentage of 0.910, he’s not your top-tier NHL goaltender but he’s nothing to laugh about. That, after all, is a more impressive mark than the incredibly well-paid Bobrovsky this season!
When you look at his recent game log though, it’s fair to say Calgary are operating a 1A/1B type system when it comes to their goalies.
Cam Talbot is that able back-up and aside from getting into fights, he has had a strong last five games (ignoring the one with the game misconduct).
He may have conceded 12 goals in those last 5 games, but came away with 4 wins and an shoot-out loss, also keeping Chicago and Minnesota to just one goal.
We can’t quite pick who the Boston Bruins nor Tampa will be facing in the Flames’ net but either guy can come up big when they need to and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
All in all, the next 30 games are going to get very interesting for the Atlantic Division’s top four teams!