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Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
Those stats are still better than Rittich's stats over the timeline as I feel there is a book in shooting blocker side on him right now. Plenty of pucks squeezing in on that side...
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That is your impression, and I am not convinced it would be borne out with data. I suspect more likely you are seeing what you are expecting to see. And yes, while Talbot has been a little bit better in fewer starts an against a lower quality of competition, it is certainly not enough of a difference to be an obvious decision right now moving forward.
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I'm no Talbot fan as I'm of the opinion the organization should move on from him and try to find a solution for the starting role but I feel he's let in less soft goals over the year even if he makes less spectacular saves. I was hoping Rittich would grab onto the starting role this season after failing to unseat Smith last year but how many years can this organization give a guy?
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Well, certainly more than three. Rittich is still young enough and with enough upside that he provides the Flames's best, most realistic chance of winning in the short term. He is playing in his second full NHL season, and his first as a starter. It is frustrating how this year has unfolded for the team, as this has played a big role in Rittich's trajectory. He is in the top-ten for mins, starts and shots allowed, and that is too much for a first-year starting goalie.