DENVER - Joni Ortio earned the shutout on Thursday with some help from his blue liners.
Ortio stopped all 35 shots he faced as the Calgary Flames blanked the Colorado Avalanche 1-0 in NHL pre-season action.
After getting off to a slow start, Ortio was at his best in the third period as Colorado turned on the pressure in search of the tying goal — outshooting the Flames 14-6 in the final 20 minutes.
"Pucks were bouncing on me in the first, but the guys were good clearing loose change in front and I think that settled me down," said the 24-year-old Ortio.
Karri Ramo and Jonas Hiller had the night off while 23-year-old netminder Kent Simpson served as back-up.
Josh Jooris scored the lone goal at 13:50 of the first period for the Flames (1-2-0), with 2015 second-round pick Rasmus Andersson picking up the assist.
"I just took it to the net and luckily got my own rebound," said the 25-year-old Jooris.
Jooris, who had two shots on net in 12:54 of playing time, was making his pre-season debut after sitting out split-squad games against the Edmonton Oilers.
"I felt good today, good win for the guys," said Jooris. "It was a defensive battle."
Defenceman Kenny Morrison led all Calgary skaters in ice time with 24:43, including 6:30 of that on special teams.
Veteran blue liner Francois Beauchemin had a game-high 24:46 of ice time for the Avalanche.
Reto Berra made 24 saves for Colorado (1-1-0).
Calgary went 0 for 5 on the power play while the Avalanche failed to score on four chances with the man advantage.
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