[Sylvanfan]

I think Rittich is the guy in the playoffs. The team is being very conscientious with managing his work load down the stretch. Smith is getting the non playoff type teams and one of the back to back games. Pretty remarkable that 29 shots against is the high water mark in his past 10 starts.

Rittich has still been getting the better teams. Flames are making sure he gets at least two days rest between starts.

They're also keeping Smith sharp as a backup plan. If Rittich falters in the first two games they'll go to the veteran. He's a lot more on point now than he's been all year too.

I keep hearing how it's easier to start the veteran and bring the young guy in later if need be.

But that's not what Washington did last year and it's not what Chicago did in 2015. Even Pittsburgh went to Fleury for a couple games in the third round in 2016 to give Murray a couple extra days off when he was wearing down.