RITTICH GETS START AGAINST OILERS

The Calgary Flames will turn to David Rittich in net Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers.

The numbers for the 26-year-old have been sparkling this season in six starts, going 5-1-0 with a 1.91 goals-against average and .935 save percentage. His last effort, last Saturday at Staples Center against the L.A. Kings, produced a 21-save 1-0 shutout which was his first career goose-egg.

Rittich is tasked with backstopping the Flames, who have suffered two straight losses including Thursday’s 3-2 heartbreaker against Montreal which saw struggling starter Mike Smith allow a back-breaking gamewinner to Artturi Lehkonen.

“I feel good but it’s another game and you have to be prepared for it,” Rittich said. “What happened last game, it happened and everyone in our lockerroom has to be prepared for another game.”

It won’t be the first time Rittich has faced the Oilers, having seen them twice last season. He was parachuted in on Dec. 2, 2017, for a classic Battle Of Alberta which saw the Flames lose 7-5. Smith allowed five goals on 27 shots in the first two periods while Rittich let in two goals on six shots in the third. Rittich played Connor McDavid and Co. again on Jan. 25 and was in net for a 4-3 shootout loss at Edmonton.

“I mean, it’s going to be great and we want to win,” Rittich said. “It’s our place and the atmosphere could help us.”