I still think it’s odd not to play your starter against an excellent team when both goalies are equally rested. There are plenty of weeks where Flames play 3 games or more and you can work Smith in to give Rittich a break.
Maybe Rittich still healing from something. But I also feel this team wants to give Smith every opportunity possible to return to form as they know Rittich is not yet a sure thing.
IMO Treliving wants more than anything to be able to run with these two goalies for the playoffs. The organization is light on draft picks and prospects not in the NHL. Giving some of these up for a backup goalie rental would sting.
Of course watching Smith start playoff games would sting a whole lot too.
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