Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
Yeah, definitely the key phrase being that if the Flames fall out of the race.
Markstrom is very good, but he has some injury issues and a track record behind him that says you can only ride him like a rented mule for so long before he breaks down. Keep him playing but give him the needed off-nights to rest and recover, and he will keep stealing a game for you that you don't deserve. Keep Rittich playing regularly, and he might do the same too.
One thing about Darryl's system and how this team is playing under that - goalies have to be a lot less the 'hero' each night. I thought Markstrom had an easy night Thursday. He had a harder night last night for sure, but not much harder (he had to make a couple of spectacular athletic saves). Playing behind a Darryl Sutter team so far will save him some wear and tear, and that's huge. Still wouldn't trade Rittich right now though. I would still be worried about riding Markstrom into the ground.
|
Kipper became a star under Sutter. Quick also became a star under him. And both were workhorses. I think one of the reasons for that was team defense.
Markstrom was only tested a few times last night. You could count on one hand the number of times he was forced to move side to side or make a diving save. It was a pretty easy night for him overall.
Again, it's only been two games, but if things continue anything like this, Markstrom will be able to take a fairly heavy workload, because the games, individually, are less taxing.
I am not saying: trade Rittich and play Markstrom every night. Just saying that I am not as worried about Markstrom's workload.