Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Mike Smith's... woes? He blows? Eating crows? Who knows! (Also David Rittich exists!)

Erick Estrada · 01-04-2019, 07:01 AM

I advise anyone to go to the NHL app and watch the game highlights from the Bruins broadcast. On the 1st goal the announcer is questioning why Smith is so deep in the net and on the 5th goal the announcer was trying to figure out how DeBrusk had so much net to shoot at from such a bad angle. It's pretty clear that people around the league outside of Calgary aren't used to seeing goaltending like this.

The team has invested a lot in Gillies. What do they have to lose at this point giving him the chance to back up Rittich? Really this should be his opportunity as the current backup can't get it done. The bar for the Flames backup right now is possibly at a historical low. If Gillies can't outplay Smith there's no point in him being part of the organization after this season. Gillies only has to be below average to be an upgrade on Smith who is amongst worst in the league. Until a trade opportunity arises I think you have to go this route as the Flames owe it to the team and they owe Gillies a chance to prove if he can or cannot play at the NHL level. There's really nothing to lose outside of some hurt feelings but Treliving and Peters are getting paid to win not caress player feelings.

01-04-2019, 07:01 AM	#706
Erick Estrada Franchise Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Fernando Valley Exp:	I advise anyone to go to the NHL app and watch the game highlights from the Bruins broadcast. On the 1st goal the announcer is questioning why Smith is so deep in the net and on the 5th goal the announcer was trying to figure out how DeBrusk had so much net to shoot at from such a bad angle. It's pretty clear that people around the league outside of Calgary aren't used to seeing goaltending like this. The team has invested a lot in Gillies. What do they have to lose at this point giving him the chance to back up Rittich? Really this should be his opportunity as the current backup can't get it done. The bar for the Flames backup right now is possibly at a historical low. If Gillies can't outplay Smith there's no point in him being part of the organization after this season. Gillies only has to be below average to be an upgrade on Smith who is amongst worst in the league. Until a trade opportunity arises I think you have to go this route as the Flames owe it to the team and they owe Gillies a chance to prove if he can or cannot play at the NHL level. There's really nothing to lose outside of some hurt feelings but Treliving and Peters are getting paid to win not caress player feelings. Last edited by Erick Estrada; 01-04-2019 at 07:06 AM.