It is beyond me why some still think that Smith will work his way into a groove with more ice time.
According to a normal bell curve, Smith would have peaked some time ago and he should now be in the declining and waning 15% of his career. Isn't that what his stats are showing?
On the other hand, Rittich should be starting to rise. Does he have the tool box to be a true #1 goalie? I don't know...the sample size is not large enough. All I know is Rittich has given the Flames a better chance at winning and he deserves more starts.
Team defense can be 50% attributed to the coach and his system. If we are going to play a faster, looser system, then expect more turnovers. With the right horses, that can be turned around...or the ststem can be tweaked to produce better team results.
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