Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame
No need to slog on Mike Smith, as a veteran I am sure he knows the gravity of the situation. And he wants to do everything he can to fix it.
Rather than throw him under the bus, the team just needs to sit him and let Rittich ride his wave until he either ####s the bucket or needs a break. It's the whimsical nature of goalie consistency. I'm sure Smith knew going into the season that the younger goalies are vying for his spot and will be given a chance to shine.
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Bang on. Just gotta realize Smith is done. Happens to all goalies, just not in this fashion. Usually they aren't given this leeway, which I think is coming from over Peter's head. A great outcome would be to see Rittich take over as starter and keep up his play. And maybe Smith watching from the pine and getting his head back together and make some starts in b2b scenarios and playing decent would be the perfect solution. Then sign a good back up in the off season.
That's ideally how I'd like to see things go. But how often do things work out "ideally" in the NHL. I think we got enough cap space to sign a goalie like Steve Mason. Heard he won't take a low money offer, but if he's sitting at home for a 1/4 of the season that might change. Then either send Smith down, or play 3 goalies, with Smith eating popcorn.
No way to trade him now.... All I know is we can't afford to have Smith starting anymore. The experiment is over. Unless we want another high 10-16 draft pick....