Quote:
Originally Posted by Draug
Because, in the playoffs, you can't have goaltending that gives away even one game in every six game stretch. Even in Smith's recent relatively good run, that is exactly what he has done.
The success, or "saving", of the season will be defined by our playoff success. Having Smith give away one game per series will likely torpedo any playoff run.
|
Yes, the team also won't be facing league bottom offensive teams like Anaheim or Arizona (though this is possible) that Smith faced during the much lauded win streak for 7 game series in the playoffs.
I've liked this season as much as anyone, but at this point, an early round exit due to bad goaltending would be a bitter disappointment.
As I understood it, my post was more about the team's seeming unwillingness thus far to stabilize and support Rittich, their clearly better performer
across every sample size, especially when
adjusted against opposition, as the playoffs quickly come up. I apologize if my polemical statement about "saving the season" distracted from this.
Rittich starts with the coaching staff allowing him to work through a cold patch and get back to his season average instead of giving Smith 5 starts in 7 until he reverts to
his season average would have made me feel better about the prospects of where this season is heading.