Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
Seperate from concerns over Smiths play I’m surprised people don’t see the rationale in starting him
You need to manage Rittichs starts. Overplaying him could be a huge factor in an early exit from the playoffs. So he was likely going to play against the Caps or Canes. With the early start tomorrow it’s basically back to back
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But who can actually say with certainty that this is true?
To me here are some hypotheses:
1) goalies can’t play 82 games because they will break down physically
2) goalies can’t play 82 games because they will have issues with consistency, or won’t be on every night, so the team will need someone to spell them off
3) goalies shouldn’t play 82 games because if you let a guy do it, and he does get hurt, then you don’t have a NHL ready guy who can step in
To me, out if these, it is #3 and risk mitigation far and away as the issue.
It’s not overplaying. It’s not number 1. Many players play 82 games and goaltending is not so much more demanding than that.
This managing workload is more likely managing risk and managing egos than anything else. 55 games is more likely an old wives tale
* But Rittich was the Carolina starter to increase chances of win in the homecoming