Quote:
Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache
Until Rittich, nobody significantly improved under him. Some NHL goalies have fallen to pieces under him. (Hiller and Smith both have gone from dependable stoppers to sieves, who seem to really have a lot of issues with basic stoppable shots and the mental side of the game, and the same with Brian Elliott, not in terms of overall sv%, but in terms of type and timing of back breaking weak goals).
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But let's unpack that a little more
Hiller was reaching an age where it wouldn't be surprising that his game starts to suffer. You can't ignore the age factor with both Smith and Hiller. They aren't taking steps back as young goalies. It's happening in their final years.
Elliott's issue was always less about topline numbers and more about his consistency and ability to deliver when it matters most.
Nobody significantly improved but how many goalies at those ages do?