That was a tough one to watch. The Flames didn't play great, but they were still the better team by a pretty substantial margin. My only question is, was that Santa in goal for the Flames yesterday? Santa wears a big red suit and distributes gifts at this time of year, and that was an apt description of the guy in net for the Flames. St. Louis was gifted a win. This one was another Mike Smith special. We're up to five so far this year (10 points!).
I don't know how the apologists keep defending this guy, because he's no longer a NHL goaltender. It is time for the Flames to move on from Mike Smith, but they won't be able to do it as long as he is on the roster. No one is going to take him in trade, so the Flames will have to make a move internally and eat his salary. This means making a move to one of the guys from the minors. For Smith, the minors is the best place for him right now, where he might be able to get his game and head back together. This will also give the Flames an idea what they have with Gillies at the NHL level. Because of Smith's poor play, this is a low risk move. The Flames would still have Smith in the minors as a fallback position if Gillies, or someone else, can't step up and improve on the stellar tending Smith has provided this season.
This team looks pretty stacked and ready to go, with the exception of a goaltender. It is time to see if they can address the problem internally, or be forced to bring in another tender at the deadline. What could be an exciting season is dependent on this one key decision. I hope Treliving has the gumption to make the right move.
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