Quote:
Originally Posted by CanadaMatt
But under your Neal argument: if the flames were having this good of a season, you’d absolutely have smith in net occasionally.
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Well, they are having this good of a season, and they've had Smith in net occasionally. I'd like to change that going forward, just like I'd explore opportunities to replace Neal going forward... but we've gotten to this spot with Neal and Smith. That's a fact.
It's easier to pin losses directly on goaltenders, and the evidence about Smith's misplays is irrevocable compared to Neal's purported struggles. We can easily examine goals against; it's hard to assess individual shifts when there are maybe 15-20 a game. But based on my viewing, Smith has directly contributed to the Flames' losses this year far more than Neal has. I'm sure much of this board would agree. You may not, and that's fine -- it's your opinion.
However, because of my opinion, I think it's easier to say that the Flames would be better up to now if they'd replaced Smith rather than if they hadn't signed Neal.