Quote:
Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache
We are looking at it in different ways. Surely you agree it is easier to allow a goal than it is to score. I could step in to the NHL and allow a goal today. Probably would struggle to score.
The whole knock on Smith is the multitude of soft goals, not unfortunate numbers due to normal play behind inconsistent D. Whether or not the Flames tighten up has fairly little bearing on shots Smith should stop, but simply doesn’t.
That was my whole point. Good defensive play doesn’t stop a goalie from letting in a stinker and most teams aren’t rolling out goalies who are plagued by this.
We agree the team should make the playoffs even if Smith keeps playing inconsistently.
We appear to disagree on how much the team should play the guy, and for what reasons. I see a guy who has some issues with his fundamentals, is lucky to be 11-8-1 and based on his contribution could just as easily be 7-12-1.
It has been nearly a calendar year since he has played at the level of a NHL starter.
In fact, if Rittich got hurt, and Smith from Feb-Dec 2018 is the new normal, he has what it takes to potentially goaltend the team’s way out of a playoff spot.
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This is just simply untrue.
43 save shutout IN Nashville isn't starter level play?