Quote:
Originally Posted by Joborule
Smith has won his past two games, while Rittich has lost his past two. And Hawks are another team the Flames matchup favorably against.
There's no definitive #1 goalie right now. Run with the hot hand. If Smith can find a way to be an adequate goalie (no weak goal per game), then Flames are in a better position by having two goalies they can roll with throughout the season.
It's much better than having to overwork one goalie because you can't trust the other even in a backup role.
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Smith's two wins have been in games where the Flames completely dominated for 60 minutes, a shooter tutor would have got the W as well. Last game he proved that the issue with soft goals that shouldn't be goals is not fixed. Meanwhile Rititch has done just about everything he could possibly do to earn a long, hard look as the starter. There may not yet be a definitive #1, but there's a definitive "no longer an NHL goalie". We're not going to find out if Rittich is truly for real unless we give him the lion's share of starts. Peters has been excellent overall, but other than Ryan on the PP, my only real gripe with him this season is trying to force Smith to work when it's clear he's done.
Not saying we can't still win games with him in net, or that Peters doesn't have a plan. Just that Smith is not going to be the solution in the playoffs and beyond this season. Rittich could be.