Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken
for me, here is the problem with waiting:
I don't think it will be good enough for Rittich to just steal the starter's job from Smith, because that means Smith will still be getting backup level game rotations, and I don't know if he is playing well enough to help the team make the playoffs. I don't think Smith is giving the Flames backup quality minutes right now, and if he can't get them for Calgary as a backup, Rittich might have to have a 930+ sv% to counteract it.
Smith's even strength save percentage right now is just .890, but his short handed save percentage is a lowly/abysmal .778
I don't think you can make the playoffs with a goalie playing that poorly, even if he is the backup.
Even if Rittich takes over the starter spot, the Flames STILL need to acquire a goalie in my mind.
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I assume the theory (hope really) is that a properly rested Smith as a back up is better than Smith as a starter.