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CALGARY - Flames goaltenders Reto Berra and Karri Ramo faced a daunting task at training camp last September. Miikka Kiprusoff had just announced his retirement after a decade-long run in Calgary and it would be up to Berra and Ramo to fill the void. It was a tall order and the Flames struggled at the start of the season. But there finally appear to be signs that the team may be ready to turn things around. Berra and Ramo have helped Calgary to a 5-4-2 record in its last 11 games, with three losses coming in close games against league heavyweights Pittsburgh and Boston. Berra entered the holiday break on a high after helping the Flames to a 4-3 shootout win Monday over the surging St. Louis Blues. He made 32 saves and stopped all three shots in the shootout to improve to 5-8-2 on the season. Berra is also a perfect 3-0 in shootouts, an area in which Kiprusoff historically struggled (23-37). "Overall Im happy with where I am," he said. "For my first year over here, Ive played solid, Ive played calm and Ive played my game. "I want to have more wins but sometimes you cant control that." Once described by former Flames general manager Jay Feaster as the “best goaltenders not playing in the NHL,” Berra and Ramo are still adjusting to the league since coming over from Europe. The ice surface is smaller and there is more traffic in front of the net. "One thing Ive been working on is trying to track the puck and follow it with my body," said Berra. "Also, guys here shoot perfect shots so you cant just go down and hope it hits you, you have to read the shot. Thats a big part of where Im way better than at the start of the season. "I can read the shots and where theyre coming." Ramo, who spent the last four seasons in the KHL, is more familiar with the North American game than his teammate. The 27-year-old native of Asikkala, Finland spent three seasons in the Tampa Bay organization after being selected by the Lightning in the sixth round of the 2004 entry draft. "Im trying to be quicker with my positioning so I can get set and see more pucks," said Ramo. "If you can play a little bit more outside the crease and still be quick, thats always better. Berra, a 26-year-old native of Bulach, Switzerland, said he has also noticed a big difference in the number of blocked shots. One of the trademarks of the Flames blue-collar style of play, Calgary has blocked 688 shots this season, second only to Montreal (725). Individually, defencemen Kris Russell (105), Chris Butler (100) and Ladislav Smid (83) all rank in the top 10. "I think the guys would jump face first into shots, they have so much commitment to the Flames," Berra said with a laugh. "They play like a goalie. Sometimes if theres not many shots, its hard to get into the game and Ill be thinking, Hey, let it through, I want to save something too." Flames coach Bob Hartley has been pleased with how his two goaltenders have improved. "Very happy with their progression," Hartley said. "Theyre two great guys. They want to learn, they want to contribute to the team success. They get along great together. Were trying to give them streaks where if they play well, we ride them." Berra started 11 of 12 games in one stretch, starting with a spectacular 42-save win in his NHL debut in Chicago. Lately its been Ramos turn, as he has started eight of the last 12 and is playing his finest hockey of the year. Hes gone 4-2-2 in that span with a 2.06 goals-against average and .925 save percentage. On the season, Ramo is 6-6-3 with a 2.79 GAA and a .904 save percentage. He attended Finlands Olympic orientation in July, but thinks there is little chance hell be in Sochi this February given the countrys depth at the goaltending position. Its unclear if Nashville netminder Pekka Rinne will be ready for the Games as hes still recovering from a hip infection. However, Finland is still loaded with other options, including Bostons Tuukka Rask, San Joses Antti Niemi and Kari Lehtonen of Dallas. "With Finland and the goalies, pretty easy decisions for the people who are selecting," said Ramo. "Theyve been well known for so long in Finland and played in the NHL for so long and have been so good." Its a different scenario for Berra. After a strong showing last May at the world championships, he fully expects to be in the mix on the Swiss team. "For sure," Berra said. "Plus Ive made my next step personally by now playing in the NHL." 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Gordon Hayward Jersey . 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell.TSNs Jack Armstrong offers his thoughts on the unfortunate injury of Eric Bledsoe, the growth of Gordon Hayward, the future of LaMarcus Aldridge, David Lees rebounding ability and the suspension of Andre Miller. 1. ERIC BLEDSOE (Suns): What a shame. Another injury to a very good player. Hes played terrific ball for his team this year and the idea of playing two point guards together along with Goran Dragic worked out beautifully for their team. Tough road ahead for this squad without him. Hes the guy that sets the tone defensively for them and his toughness was impressive. The move to Phoenix was a perfect landing spot for him. Hopefully, he gets back sooner rather than later and in good health. 2. GORDON HAYWARD (Jazz): Did you see him the other night vs. OKC? Awesome. 37 pts, 11 rebounds and seven assists. A young player whose game and confidence has grown and, considering that he decided not to accept Utahs contract offer in the off season, it will be a very interesting and fruitful negotiation for him with his current employer and hell have lots of interest in the open market. 3. LA MARCUS ALDRIDGE (Blazers): His team has had a great run so far this season at 28-9 and now, for the first time, hes given indications that hed consider signing an extension to stay in Portland after expressing his frustration with playing there this past summer. What a diifference winning makes.dddddddddddd The addition of Robin Lopez has taken lots of interior heat off him and being surrounded by terrific 3-point shooting and a wonderful young lead guard in Damian Lillard has a way of opening your eyes to the fact that the grass isnt always greener. Awesome fan base and a market with a nice tradition. Good place to consider staying. 4. DAVID LEE (Warriors): This guy gets hammered a lot for his sketchy defence, and I understand it sometimes, but this guy can score and board effectively. Look at what hes done in the last 12 games while his team went 11-1. 22 points and 10 rebounds a night is impressive and Id say most teams could handle that from their power forward. Is he perfect? Far from it, yet hes better than most. I still think he contributes more to the winning than being the cause of the struggles. 5. ANDRE MILLER (Nuggets): Ive always been a huge fan of his game and quiet leadership. Hes been a very good pro and, in my opinion, could still start for a bunch of teams in the league. Unfortunate situation right now with his suspension in Denver. I like head coach Brian Shaw a whole lot and its a shame that it looks like hell be parting ways with the team at some point. If Im a team in need of a guy who will make all the smart plays and give you solid D as well, Im in the market for him, thats for sure. ' ' '