Quote:
Originally Posted by Redrum
Says the conveniently late guy...  |
Fair enough.
But it is true that the fans are extremely quick to react with anger these days. I'm not surprised, but it is funny to watch people melt down with the mere suggestion that Smith ever play another game again. I will also say that the last game pissed me off something fierce, but I'm over it already and it's time to move on to the next game.
I do think Rittich is going to take the starter's net and never look back. How that works out long-term, I have no idea, but I do believe he can be a capable starting goaltender in the NHL. He's progressed very steadily over the years, and last year's questionable performance as the starter is probably due to him being a rookie more than anything. He looks so much calmer this year, whereas last year you could see the nerves at times in games. When I watch Rittich, I don't see a world beater, but I do see a guy that is calm, collected, and capable to the task. I think his mental makeup is so good that it will carry him a long way, and his physical tools are at least league average.
Smith will probably fill out the rest of the year as the backup, and will probably look decent doing so...or not, and then one of the kids on the farm will get a chance to show what they can. We all knew this was going to be the scenario when Smith was brought in, but his play of late has simply forced the scenario to be enacted sooner than we all expected. So be it, I welcome the change. To me it's a blessing in disguise to know that Smith will not be here next year. It allows the team to make plans for the net going forward.