Quote:
Originally Posted by Beninho
Still not on board with Smith being the playoff goalie but he’s played better. The organization has wanted Smith to be the starter the entire year, i can’t say I share the same belief in smith. I just keep having flashbacks of playoff Elliott when I envision Smith in the playoffs. I think going with Smith is far riskier than going with Rittich, I would’ve said you were crazy if you told me smith was the playoff starter a month ago but here we are.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
I am a bit surprised that Smith gets the start tonight and he would not be my choice to start in the playoffs, but comments like this don’t make any sense to me. I rather think the coaches have done s masterful job of handling the goalies, and with how much was on the line this year in Calgary I cannot fathom how the priority was anything but starting the goalie who gave the team the best opportunity to win games. Period. Yes, Smith received a little more latitude because he is a veteran. This is just how things go in hockey, and I don’t believe for a second that the goal was always for Mike Smith to be the starter. He was at the beginning of the year, but was clearly supplanted by Rittich in December. I have little doubt things would have stayed that way had Rittich’s performance not slipped a little starting in February.
In any event, I am sure hoping for another strong effort from Smith tonight.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk