Quote:
Originally Posted by gamesaver
Except it does when you start Rittich. Rittich has 5 wins in six starts. Scores were 3-2 OT, 4-1 (with 45 shots against), 2-1 OT, 4-3 and 1-0. So as you can see, with Rittich starting, Flames are able to win games even when they do not score more than 2 goals in regulation.
|
The only caveat you need to consider is quality of opposition. His wins were against LA, Buffalo, Chicago, NYR and Colorado (plus the loss in Mtl in which he was fine). I think of these, Buffalo is the best and even there, it's not a top quality team.
Not to say that that he was bad in his wins and he definitely stole the game in NY. His game in Chicago wasn't good and the Flames needed 4 goals to win. But I say that evens with his loss in Montreal which was not on him at all.
Smith has started against Vancouver, Nashville, Boston, Pittsburgh, Washington, San Jose, Anaheim and Montreal. Way tougher. So Rittich's tes will be when he faces a playoff team. At least 5 of these are strong teams destined for the POs.