Todd Cordell: Calgary Flames quick hits: on Valimaki, backup goaltending & more

Mak attack!

To anyone freaking out about the goalies. Remember the year that we had Hiller, Ramo & Ortio battling for a spot? All 3 goalies played lights out all pre-season.

I think we all remember how they performed during the regular season...



...But, if we end up looking for a backup to start the season, I'm sure we could work out a deal with Toronto. I think Pickard would be worth a shot and he shouldn't be too expensive.

I really think the Flames need to go in a different direction in goal - Kari Lehtonen is still available and would be a great back-up over Gillies or Rittich. At this point he is unsigned...

I imagine he'd take a one-year deal at this point for a million to 1.5 million?

I really think the Flames need to go in a different direction in goal - Kari Lehtonen is still available and would be a great back-up over Gillies or Rittich. At this point he is unsigned...

I imagine he'd take a one-year deal at this point for a million to 1.5 million?
- quinneroma

If Lehtonen couldn't help get Dallas into the playoffs in his prime, he's not going to be much help to the Flames now.

Goaltending

(frank) it lets bring back Kipper.

Goaltending

(frank) it lets bring back Kipper.
- DuranDuran

I wouldn't want us to go after a backup until it is clear that Gillies & Rittich aren't able to handle the job.

At least there should be a few guys available if we need to acquire someone:

Sparks
Pickard
Mchelliney

Mason
Lehtonen

I wouldn't want us to go after a backup until it is clear that Gillies & Rittich aren't able to handle the job.

At least there should be a few guys available if we need to acquire someone:

Sparks
Pickard
Mchelliney

Mason
Lehtonen
- Saskabush

Agree, no panic yet, let them play the exhibition games & lets see where things fall. They have cap space to make a move to get a backup at some point & their are several journeyman options. Just no need to pull the trigger so quick.

Agree, no panic yet, let them play the exhibition games & lets see where things fall. They have cap space to make a move to get a backup at some point & their are several journeyman options. Just no need to pull the trigger so quick.
- Kevin R

Also, I'm not really too disappointed in Gillies' play the other night. It was a rough start, but we had some major defensive lapses & Boston was able to capitlize.

I was encouraged by what I saw from him the rest of the game. He was making saves that needed to be made & positioned himself fairly well.

I'm still hopeful he takes a big step forward this year

There's no reason to panic yet. Both goalies have played one preseason game. Let's at least see them play out the rest of the preseason before we go hunting for a backup. The preseason is the preseason. Colorado went 6-0 in the preseason two years ago and ended up having one of the worst seasons ever.

It's the preseason. No reason to be worried yet.

It's only been one game apiece but it'd be really nice if someone could step up and win the job rather than having to decipher which goaltender sucked less.

Best take yet. Love it.
But I'd bet big bucks BT isn't trying to figure out which one sucks less.

Agree, no panic yet, let them play the exhibition games & lets see where things fall. They have cap space to make a move to get a backup at some point & their are several journeyman options. Just no need to pull the trigger so quick.
- Kevin R

I heard Ilya Bryzgalov is going to make a come back...

I heard Ilya Bryzgalov is going to make a come back...
- Reveen.

I want the Buhlin Wall and will settle for no less. Or Arturs Irbe.

I want the Buhlin Wall and will settle for no less. Or Arturs Irbe.
- rmull905

I hear Trevor Kidd is still around, let's give him a PTO!

Hasek was also looking to make a comeback, toss him a contract

Valimaki isn't making the team playing like he did last night.. Lots of mistakes. Not sure what Todd is talking about.

Valimaki isn't making the team playing like he did last night.. Lots of mistakes. Not sure what Todd is talking about.
- fry

I'm pretty sure he's never actually watched the Flames play. All you need is stats.

Call me crazy but I think parsons will be in the conversation for backup pretty soon

Call me crazy but I think parsons will be in the conversation for backup pretty soon
- Dstog

Not sure if the kid is ready. Was less than stellar last year, in a far less stellar league.

Well, we were not supposed to panic after

The first preseason game......in China.

But surely we can start panicking after

The second Preseason game.....In China.