Rittich launches stick into the air in win celebration
Flames goalie made aggressive save on Oilers' Draisaitl before tossing lumber
by Cristina Ledra @cledra / NHL.com Staff Writer
David Rittich's body went sliding and his lumber went flying, and it was the perfect punctuation to a hard-fought shootout win for the Calgary Flames against their rival Edmonton Oilers.
Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl made his approach during the shootout and rather than wait to make a save, Rittich slid out to make a poke check.
The bold move sealed the 4-3 win and Rittich launched his stick straight into the air in celebration, echoing Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista's bat flip in the Game 5 of the 2015 American League Division Series.
The Flames loved it so much, they thought it should go on a t-shirt, asking their team store on Twitter to start printing a "Big Save Dave" stick flip design.
The next chapter of the Battle of Alberta takes place on Saturday in Calgary. The Flames lead the season series 3-0, while the Oilers are 0-2-1.