He's earned it. Best case scenario is that he can prove himself this season, start around 48 of the next 62 games, and finish with a > .915 SV% on the season, while Smith also rediscovers his game and gives us competent backup goaltending, primarily on the road since Smith has struggled at the Dome even before his injury, and the Bronx cheer he's been getting on routine saves is probably a distraction at this point.
That would set us up exceptionally well for the future - Rittich is the same age a guy like Corey Crawford was when he became a starter.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern
Not only does Rittich start in the BOA, now it's a back-to-back start, with Smith on the bench. When was the last time Smith has sat in back-to-back games when (relatively) healthy and still in the playoff hunt? Rittich might not be labelled the undisputed 'starter' quite yet, but he's certainly not just the backup.
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Rittich started in Montreal after winning in New York.