Quote:
Originally Posted by SixtySix
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. Peter's 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.
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I completely agree, but in that same vein I would argue that splitting their starts now provides a clearer path to success later in the season and in the playoffs when the team needs to lean more heavily on one guy. People are way too impatient and too quick to promote/demote guys on the basis of short-term results. Many don't seem to realize or care that Rittich has never even played 50 games in a single season at any point or any level in his professional hockey career. There is a delicate balancing act here; it is not all v. nothing.