Calgary started the game really well. Lack was not to blame on first two goals against. However, as Galley said, the team needed some saves. Is his confidence a little shaky from his last year and not having a lot of playing time? Probably.
I don't think this organization is going to bail on him as they've shown tremendous patience with players. To their credit but perhaps a little too much patience is being displayed by the coaching staff on some other areas:
-Brodie-Hamonic pairing. Which of these two is actually playing the worst? I can't say but both together had a few good games and more bad games.
-PP1. Versteeg is an easy target (and I've been frustrated by him on point) but it goes further. They often don't even generate any momentum but the coaches keep putting them out there and don't seem to change anything. Frustrating as all hell to watch.
-PK. Are they too passive? Different personnel? Something's got to give here.
The positives all year have been Gaudreau's offence, Smith's goaltending (until injury) and Gio's fire and compete level. They need more from their high TOI guys and just more consistent effort.
It's one game and no reason to over react but IMO they have a winning record in spite of these glaring flaws and largely on Smith's play ->which they may have rode too hard. The trend going into this game was quite good and I expect them to play well but those weaknessess need to get addressed.
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