CALGARY FLAMES 1, COLORADO AVALANCHE 0

THE HERALD’S THREE STARS

1. Flames G Joni Ortio The Finnish netminder looks good from the start, despite allowing too many juicy rebounds. Manages to calm things down in what was scrambly, pre- season action and turns aside over 30 shots in the end to register the shutout.

2. Flames D Ryan Wilson Looking more and more comfortable in the Flames system. Still trying to transition his game from the Avalanche, the big blueliner's veteran confidence showed and he was able to make plays.

3. Flames D Kenney Morrison Made mistakes, yes. But the Edmonton native, who was studying at Western Michigan this time last year, kept hopping over the boards and was better with every play. He was eventually awarded with plenty of ice time. Had a couple of hits, too.

WHY THE FLAMES WON?

Largely because the starstudded Avalanche were flat. And, a solid defensive effort helped, too.

BIG HIT

Not exactly a physical game but Colorado's Brad Stuart gave Brandon Bollig some healthy shoves toward the end of the game.

BIG SAVE

In the first period, with Nathan MacKinnon barrelling in and wrapping around the net, Ortio squares off toward him. The Avs forward shoots, but all of a sudden Jakub Nakladal's stick gets in the way, as Ortio slides. The puck dribbles across the goalmouth and Ortio, somehow, manages to corral it.

CALGARY LINES

J. Jooris S. Bennett M. Raymond M. Ferland M. Stajan D. Jones D. Grant M. Granlund T. Elson B. Bollig D. Shore J. Colborne

CALGARY PAIRINGS

R. Wilson R. Andersson B. Kulak J. Nakladal D. Stevenson K. Morrison P. Sieloff

CALGARY GOALIES

J. Ortio K. Simpson