I can't believe some of the Smith comments, but then I also see they are balanced out with some reasonable comments in his defense.
Smith played well in relief, solid, in fact was a positive contributor to the Flames game last night. We lost the game for two reasons as the Flames outplayed the Sharks all night:
- Snake bit / and great goaltending for the Sharks
- Rittich was brutal on their first two goals (it happens)
I agree with an earlier comment I read, Peter's probably pulled Rittich IMO too early and little bit while he was on tilt (not that Smith didn't do great as mentioned above). You could see the way he charged down the bench and told Smith to get ready, 100% emotional decision. I'm guessing it was because goal #2 was a completely preventable puck handling error by Rittich, and he's made more than a few of those over his past few starts. He went for a high risk high reward play on the puck when there really wasn't an option, versus a very easy move it out of danger play. I'm guessing the coaching staff has talked to him, coached him previously on making the safe play when handling the puck (i.e. in this one aspect you aren't Smith, don't try to be) and Peters was just livid with the stupid decision and wanted to make a point.
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