The Calgary Flames have recalled netminder Jon Gillies from the AHL’s Stockton Heat, the club announced Wednesday.
Gillies will draw into the Flames lineup for the team’s meeting with the Detroit Red Wings Wednesday as current starter David Rittich tends to a lower-body injury, according to Sportsnet’s Eric Francis.
Rittich’s play this season has been a key factor in Calgary’s ascent up the standings in 2018-19, with the performance of the one affectionately known as ‘Big Save Dave’ in Alberta helping the club climb to first in their division and second in their conference as the calendar flips to 2019.
The 26-year-old’s .920 save percentage and 2.39 goals-against average have steadied the Flames’ season, helping to mitigate the uneven play from assumed starter Mike Smith (.888 save percentage, 3.00 goals-against average), meaning a prolonged absence for the Czech netminder could throw a significant wrench into Calgary’s 2019 plans.
Gillies has suited up for 22 games as the Heat’s starter this season, posting an .864 save percentage and 4.07 goals-against average in that span.
[relatedlinks]
