Ortio Injured in Adirondack Overtime Loss

The Adirondack Flames dropped an important game at Oklahoma City (Oilers affiliate) Friday night in overtime, 4-3. Against the top team in the Western Conference, the Flames were poised for two important points, as David Wolf scored midway through the third period to give the visitors a 3-2 lead. The Barons scored 6 on 5 with 49 seconds remaining however, and won it early in the overtime stanza. This was the Baron’s 12th overtime victory so far this season.

Michael Ferland and Sena Acolatse also scored for the Flames and Tyler Wotherspoon had two assists. Joni Ortio was injured early in the first period and did not return. The extent of his injury has not yet been reported, but Doug Carr has been recalled from Colorado of the ECHL.

The Flames have dropped to tenth place in the Western Conference – four points out of the final playoff spot and return to action again this evening in Oklahoma City.

[ed UPDATE] It's bad:

#Flames prospect and Adirondack Flames G Joni Ortio, injured last night in 4-3 OT loss to OKC, is out 6-8 weeks w/a high ankle sprain.

— Kristen Odland (@KristenOdlandCH) February 21, 2015

The Adirondack Flames are currently out of a playoff spot, and losing Ortio, who has played 35 of their 50 games, is really bad for them. Furthermore, it’s not great for the Calgary Flames, either, as they almost certainly can’t trade upcoming UFA Karri Ramo now, with no other suitable backups for Jonas Hiller available.

by Keith Mcafee