Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
Are you sure about that? I think Smith started in Glendale because the coaching saw it as a good opportunity to get him back to form, and because they have not committed to a starting goalie at this point of the season. The way I see it ...
· Smith was demoted from starter to not-the-starter.
· Rittich was promoted from backup to not-the-backup.
As for today's decision, Peters spoke in the media about this yesterday and said that Smith had looked very good in practice the past week. I think he is starting because he looks like he can win this game.
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I agree with this, I don't think Rittich won the job just yet, more-so Smith lost the job. I was pretty disappointed when Willis reported that Smith was starting last game because I felt it didn't make sense to sit Rittich two games in a row and also because to me it meant that Smith still hadn't lost the job. However, I'm fine with him starting tonight. I don't think Rittich played poorly in his last two losses, but it's two losses nonetheless and you need to play two goalies throughout the season. The last thing we need is a situation where you're afraid to play one. Smith played good in an easy game against the coyotes, give him another start against a mediocre opponent and let him try and exercise his Saddledome demons. But he shouldn't have too many lives left, if he puts up another Montreal game then you really need to start considering bringing up Gillies.