|
The Calgary Flames are sending a third member to All-Star Weekend |
|
|
|
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
The Calgary Flames are covering all of their bases.
They were already set to send forward Matthew Tkachuk and defenseman Mark Giordano to St. Louis for the All-Star festivities. Joining them will be goaltender David Rittich, completing the position bingo.
Rittich has been named a replacement for Darcy Kuemper, who will be unable to attend as he’s nursing an injury.
Rittich’s play has fallen off a little bit of late, however, he’s still putting together a strong campaign.
He owns a .913 save percentage, matching fellow All-Star Joonas Korpisalo (also set to miss the weekend due to injury) and besting the likes of Frederik Andersen, Philipp Grubauer, Marc-Andre Fleury, Carey Price, and John Gibson.
Rittich ranks 17th among 47 eligible goaltenders (1,000+ minutes) in total SV%. More impressively, Rittich sits 3rd in save percentage vs high-danger shots. He’s stopped 86.1% of those; only Jordan Binnington (.875) and Ben Bishop (.863) have fared better.
It’s hard to say Rittich is undeserving of the opportunity, especially in comparison to other potential candidates within the division.
He also has the perfect personality to become a fan favorite over the course of the weekend and selling the game, as much as anything, is what the weekend is about.
He’ll be great.
numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
Recent posts:
All aboard the Tyler Toffoli train
Flames sign Rasmus Andersson to long-term extension
My choices for Calgary’s three stars of the month in December
Midseason Vezina Trophy picks
Midseason Norris Trophy picks
Midseason Hart Trophy picks
Tkachuk, Giordano named NHL All-Stars