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Ramo Exhibiting Maturity, But Still In Learning Stage

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 5, 2008

OTTAWA - John Tortorella walked through a light snow along the icy sidewalks of Montreal early Friday morning on his way to the Bell Centre. Normally one of the first to arrive at the rink in order to get a workout in and prepare for practice, Tortorella had company in the exercise room shortly after arriving - Karri Ramo.

The 21-year-old rookie goaltender shook off his shaky performance from Thursday night and got right back to work.

"I wake up this morning and I was at the rink about a quarter to eight; he's there at eight o'clock," Tortorella said. "He's on the bike getting his workout in, he's working out with strength coach Eric Lawson. I listen to his conversations with the other coaches and I just see a tremendous amount of maturity in him. I think he's a guy that has the proper mind-set for that position."

There is little doubt of what the organization thinks of Ramo's ability to tend goal for the franchise. Since he was called up from the minors Dec. 19, team officials have talked up the second-year pro, the first real goaltender the team has developed from draft to the NHL. In his short stint Ramo has shown some of the abilities that earned him the opportunity - his performance against Washington on Dec. 26 quickly comes to mind.

Yet he hasn't won since his first start on Dec. 20 - of course, neither have the Lightning - and Thursday in Montreal a pair of shots from the top of the circle eluded him in a 6-3 loss. The loss to Montreal notwithstanding, his 1-4-1 record with a 3.25 goals-against average and .892 save percentage are not indicative of how he has played to start his NHL career.

Nothing like facing an avalanche of adversity to build his NHL resume.

"It's just one game," Ramo said of his latest setback. "Things happen in games, I just have to stay sharp and make saves."

Tortorella has said Ramo is going to get every opportunity to play - although he won't get the start tonight against Ottawa as Johan Holmqvist will get the nod - because the team needs to find out about Ramo. And coming off his first sub-par effort is one of those chances to see how he bounces back.

Following Thursday's loss in Montreal, Ramo said he let down his teammates at an important time when the game was tied 3-3 in the third period, which also displays his level of accountability. But just as his shootout loss in Toronto on New Year's Day where both Maple Leaf shooters converted their chances against him, Ramo is taking mental notes with each new experience.

"It's always difficult when you are not winning and you want to win so bad all the time, but when you lose you learn a lot," he said. "Every time we have lost, I still feel like I'm learning a lot.

"I know after Thursday's game I have to forget about the last game, learn from it and be ready the next time out."

Reporter Erik Erlendsson can be reached at (813) 259-7835 or eerlendsson@tampatrib.com.

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