Rittich should absolutely get more starts than they originally planned. But you have to be very careful throwing him out there the way so many on this board are calling for. This is a goalie that hasn't played more than 48 games in a season in his professional career. Super risky to ride him into the ground, especially if you are expecting him to play in the playoffs. We saw just last year that Rittich was amazing until he wasn't. Not saying that he will definitely fall off, but playing him 50 games or more and then expecting him to handle a long playoff run is super risky. He could just falter at some point in the spring and leave you with nothing. It is just a complete gamble.
That is why, if Smith isn't going to be able to play at least half the games, they have to make a trade. This is also why they are going to give Smith more chances to succeed than fans want. They need a goalie to take a bulk of the workload, even if Rittich is the more relied upon goalie in terms of performance. I am sure they would rather that Smith get it together than have to spend assets to bring in someone, especially if it is not a clear upgrade but just a Smith replacement.
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Harry, I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it, don't wait for it, just... let it happen. Could be a new shirt at the men's store, a catnap in your office chair, or... two cups of good, hot, black coffee.
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