Joni Ortio recalled from AHL

The #Flames have recalled @JoniOrtio from the @AHLFlames ~ http://t.co/kCZWbQqlo5 pic.twitter.com/2QBlOn0RXq

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 9, 2015

The Flames got a bit of breathing room in the net as Joni Ortio was recalled this morning. The 23-year-old spent the last few weeks on injury reserve with a high ankle sprain, and had been receiving treatment with Calgary’s medical staff. He’s healthy now, and will most likely join the team for tonight’s game. Ortio was an AHL all-star, going 20-12-1 in 35 appearances with a 2.64 GAA and a .914 SV%, including four shutouts. In his brief five game stint in the NHL, he went 4-1-0 with a 1.98 GAA and a .931 SV%, shutting out the Canucks in his first appearance.

It’s a huge sigh of relief for the club, especially in the face of the playoffs. Speaking frankly, Jonas Hiller is a little bit shaky in net, and not always the most reliable goaltender. Karri Ramo provided the insurance in case of a Hiller malfunction, but he is still injured, and the timetable on his return is uncertain. While we still don’t know that much about Ortio, he’s good enough to provide security in the backup spot for the remainder of the season and playoffs.

As for other Flames netminders, temporary recall Brad Thiessen has been reassigned to the AHL, where he will assist the baby Flames in their own playoff race. Mason McDonald is also up in Calgary receiving medical treatment for a knee injury sustained during the QMJHL playoffs. Jon Gilles could potentially play his last game tonight, as the Providence Friars take on the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks in Frozen Four action. A loss sees him eliminated, and he could potentially join the franchise as well, be it in the NHL or AHL. We’ll have more news when the game is finished.

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