Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
The Flames braintrust really have bungled this. There was a chance a week or two ago to transition to a tandem system, with the hot hand staying in net. That way you ease Rittich into a larger role.
By throwing Smith in again and again in an effort to let him find his game, they've exposed and completely deflated him. And now they pretty much have no choice but to promote Rittich to starter, with the big pressure that comes with that role.
|
I think it's pretty clear that the Flames don't think Rittich is capable of being a number 1 goalie, this is supported by what Burke said. They felt their best chance of getting a number 1 was to have Smith work through his problems.
Rittich has always been the "extra". Management can't stop talking glowingly about Gillies and Parsons. In Stockton, Huska always seemed to favour Gillies even with Rittich playing well.
Seems to me they think Rittich is a good back up who can put up good numbers when he is the backup, but when forced into carrying the ball, he will fail. They are basing this on last year, rightly or wrongly.
They have no choice now but to see if Rittich can be the number 1 because every other goalie in this organization has failed. Rittich is the number 1 by default!