Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
The stats don't lie. Talbot's .919 SV% is starting caliber. Regardless of his last loss or two at the dome he's provided better goaltending on average when he plays. I don't have favorite players. I don't care if either of these goaltenders are back next season but I do care about the progress of the Flames and making the playoffs. I don't think it's the end of the world if Rittich starts tomorrow but if he rewards the coaching staff with another stinker at home I think it's time to bench him and roll with Talbot exclusively until he has a stinker. This team can't afford to hitch itself to a goaltender that's mired in a really bad slump.
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Very fair argument. His numbers are certainly better.
My Talbot thing is he just doesn't look in control of things some nights, even when he makes the save. Pucks through him trickle wide. Pucks off the knob of his stick.
That certainly wasn't the case in Florida on Sunday though.
The other stat that hasn't changed though, is the team plays better in front of Talbot than they do in front of Rittich, at least in some categories.
Talbot faces 2 more shots per 60 minutes, but Rittich faces an additional high danger chance per 60, which is key.
The average shot distance for Talbot is a foot further than Rittich.