Mike Smith Leaves Islanders Game with 1 sec

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

Of course you doubt it. You're convinced that he's the most stupid human being on earth, and if he neglected to do any stupid thing at all, he might lose the title.

Lots of mind reading in this thread. Where is Carnak the Magnificent when you need him.

[Har-Calgary]

Originally Posted by mikephoen

Through 56 games he only started the backup in back to back situations, but at this exact moment was when he was finally going to start? Maybe... but I highly doubt it.

Not a GG hater but I have to agree here, highly doubt Rittich was going to get the start. The only reason he may have changed his mind is because truthfully Smith hasn't exactly been GODMODE lately. Two goals given up to the Isles were stinkers and there have been a few of those creaking in on him lately. Still though, he's still playing good overall and I just don't see him sitting Smith against the Bruins or the Preds. Maybe against the Panthers on Sunday.

[Classic_Sniper]

Personally I don’t think the injury was related to Smith being overworked. These guys just had the easiest month of January you can think of. Lots of days off and barely and games or practices. Smith has had a history of being injured and it was something that I had thought about before the season started.

I believe the injury was due more to the inactivity of that 3rd period. He barely even moved in that period and then a sudden movement like that on a cold goalie could’ve easily caused that groin injury than anything else.

[Loudog]

Looks like Rittich is going to get a lot more shots to the head... Wonder if that part of his routine is sustainable.

[sureLoss]

News Update

https://twitter.com/user/status/963453944570802185

[Otto-matic]

Kristen Anderson
‏

@KdotAnderson
1m1 minute ago
More
Gulutzan said Mike Smith’s lower body injury (not a groin injury) is not as bad as initially feared. MRI news was positive. Won’t play in Nashville but will be day-to-day after that.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Har-Calgary

Not a GG hater but I have to agree here, highly doubt Rittich was going to get the start.

People can hate on GG if they want, I suppose, but when has he ever out and out lied to reporters? And why would he in this case?

[Toonage]

Probably just misdirection so reporters don't ask why Frolik hates Smith.

(kidding, in case that wasn't apparent)

[Jiri Hrdina]

Why would GG lie about this? There isn't really any benefit it doing that.
As has been mentioned, with the two breaks there hasn't been a real need to give Smith time off to this point. But now they are in a busier stretch and Rittich continues to prove he can do the job. Is it unrealistic that he was already slotted in for this start?
Moreover, why not just take the guy at face value, unless your blind hatred for him is so strong that you are just looking for any opportunity to pick him apart?
Generally unless someone has already shown that is is a liar, I tend to believe people.

[mikephoen]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

Of course you doubt it. You're convinced that he's the most stupid human being on earth, and if he neglected to do any stupid thing at all, he might lose the title.

That isn't what I think at all. I don't think he is the best coach for this team, but I don't think he is stupid.

[gamesaver]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Probably just misdirection so reporters don't ask why Frolik hates Smith.

(kidding, in case that wasn't apparent)

Czech conspiracy, Frolík intentionally missed the net in order to get cold Smith injured, providing icetime for his fellow country man Rittich. They were seen chatting about it when entering tunnel, my lip-reading of czech serves as an evidence herec. I thought it was obvious.

Oh you were joking, i take it back.

[mikephoen]

Originally Posted by Wild GM

Why would GG lie about this? There isn't really any benefit it doing that.
As has been mentioned, with the two breaks there hasn't been a real need to give Smith time off to this point. But now they are in a busier stretch and Rittich continues to prove he can do the job. Is it unrealistic that he was already slotted in for this start?
Moreover, why not just take the guy at face value, unless your blind hatred for him is so strong that you are just looking for any opportunity to pick him apart?
Generally unless someone has already shown that is is a liar, I tend to believe people.

GGs stick throw was premeditated according to Eric Duhatschek and others, which is pretty similar to lying. Coaches and GMs lie to the media all the time, and I don't have any problem with that. They do it to protect the team and their players, so it's all good in my book. I have no idea what GG thinks he'll gain by this, but based on his previous use of goaltenders, I don't believe him in this instance.

Anyway, I've said more than enough about this. Glad to hear Smith is only day to day and will be back in the net soon! I expect he'll play a lot down the stretch.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by mikephoen

GGs stick throw was premeditated according to Eric Duhatschek and others, which is pretty similar to lying. Coaches and GMs lie to the media all the time, and I don't have any problem with that. They do it to protect the team and their players, so it's all good in my book. I have no idea what GG thinks he'll gain by this, but based on his previous use of goaltenders, I don't believe him in this instance.

Anyway, I've said more than enough about this. Glad to hear Smith is only day to day and will be back in the net soon! I expect he'll play a lot down the stretch.

A premeditated coaching tactic is not the same as lying.

[mikephoen]

Originally Posted by Wild GM

A premeditated coaching tactic is not the same as lying.

I ascribe this 'lie' to also being a premeditated coaching tactic. Shrug.

[Har-Calgary]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

People can hate on GG if they want, I suppose, but when has he ever out and out lied to reporters? And why would he in this case?

Maybe he did have Rittich slotted to play in this game already, it really doesn't matter, pretty dumb thing to argue about.

I just think it's an easy thing for GG to say now that Rittich has to start and kudos to him, I'd probably do the same. Helps downplay the situation and maybe gives Rittich an extra jolt. Just like how it was easy for him to downplay the whole Jagr situation and kept calling him day to day even though he knew for about a week or even longer that Jagr was done with the team. Again, I don't blame him, this is what coaches always do, they keep quiet or say whatever they will to downplay situations. Regardless, it's a non-issue. Should have no bearing on how people view GG as a coach.

Glad to see Smith is ok, hopefully he's back soon!

[tvp2003]

Great news about Smith (this is the Smith injury thread, right?).

Even Kipper went down for a couple of weeks (?) during the 03/04 season, prior to the Cup run. Maybe a few weeks of forced rest will be a good thing down the road?!?

[BigRed]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

Great news about Smith (this is the Smith injury thread, right?).

Even Kipper went down for a couple of weeks (?) during the 03/04 season, prior to the Cup run. Maybe a few weeks of forced rest will be a good thing down the road?!?

As long as there's a road to go down. They've played pretty well, but man, they're in tough. March is going to take years off my life. Thanks a lot, Flames.

[Mike F]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

News Update

https://twitter.com/user/status/963453944570802185

Don't know what all the panic was about. GG always planned on the injury being day-to-day.

[Chr1s]

Originally Posted by Har-Calgary

Just like how it was easy for him to downplay the whole Jagr situation and kept calling him day to day even though he knew for about a week or even longer that Jagr was done with the team.

So you say Smith is done with the team?

[Split98]

Edit: NVM