[PGT] Mike Smith loses the game with 2 abysmal goals against. Flames lose to Habs 3-2.

[crapshoot]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

Yep, blame it on the goalie, but at the end of the day, you should be scoring more than 2 goals.

A lot of guys today had troubles finishing. Backlund, Neal, Bennett and Ryan all hit posts, missed wide open nets, or fanned on their shots.

Those stretches happen every now and then and the scoring dries up. You don't score six goals every game, sometimes you have to win 2-1 or 3-2, and then a goalie comes in handy. That we aren't finding the net right now is not the issue as it will correct itself. The goaltending is the damn issue.

[T-Dog]

I get that management's thinking was that they had to get Mike Smith going, that they can't just rely on the "back-up" for the whole year - but that this point it's pretty plain to see that Smith is not likely to find his game because it just seems like it's not there to be found. He's too slow, often too deep in his net and seems like mentally he's lost his confidence - probably because of the erosion of his skills and abilities, combined with really wanting to win but just not able to get the job done. Management has to recognize this and take action.

[danny darko]

I get giving Smith the start after finishing strong the last game, but this has to be the end of the leash... Right? Does Rittich get the chance to roll with it now?

[Jiginla1212]

Obviously we really need some saves from Smitty but Has anyone else noticed since Peters made those comments about the officials “almost took that game over” of what ever it was he said the flames seem like they aren’t getting any calls. 2 power plays combined in the last 3 games. Lots of calls missed tonight IMO. Maybe I’m just a bit sour we lost hah.

[Yoho]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

More from Sigalet (who was interesting to hear. No posturing, pretty matter of fact. Didn't make excuses. Didn't throw someone under the bus)

Likes that Smith is his own harshest critic. Likes that he is open about it and doesn't hide from it.

Rittich and Smith get along great. Rittich looks up to Smith. Smith has been a great mentor for Rittich. Smith really supportive of Rittich when Rittich has the net. Wants to see Rittich succeed.

“Wants to help give Rittich a chance to succeed”

[The Boy Wonder]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

More from Sigalet (who was interesting to hear. No posturing, pretty matter of fact. Didn't make excuses. Didn't throw someone under the bus)

Likes that Smith is his own harshest critic. Likes that he is open about it and doesn't hide from it.

Rittich and Smith get along great. Rittich looks up to Smith. Smith has been a great mentor for Rittich. Smith really supportive of Rittich when Rittich has the net. Wants to see Rittich succeed.

I think 80 to 90 % of that is bull####

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by Duffalufagus

Lol. Good one. Unless you think peters is deliberately trying to lose the room.

Rittich should be given the reigns...but I still think that Peters/Treliving believe Smith will catch fire. So, that's why i'm hesitant.

[browna]

Ask Carey Price and his last troubling two weeks with mental demons. They still don’t seem to be gone, given his body language mid to late part of the second and after both Flames goals. I bet Price is probably talking to Smith tonight.

IMO this is 100% mental on Smiths behalf.

History reminder. Turek let in a softie, and then 3 more goals as the Flames gave up a 3 on 1 and and 2 2 man breakaways, in a game in Jan 2004 bs Tampa. He got booed on all the goals even though none were his fault after the softie.

Sutter intentionally didn’t play him at home the rest of the season, playing only st home in the 3rd period of Game 4 vs SJ, as SJ was well ahead and the Flames played Game 5 the very next night in SJ.

[Manhattanboy]

Starting Smith on Saturday would be inhumane. Connor McDavid could score ten on him alone.

[Johnny Makarov]

Originally Posted by danny darko

I get giving Smith the start after finishing strong the last game, but this has to be the end of the leash... Right? Does Rittich get the chance to roll with it now?

What kind of idiot benches a goalie who just got a shut out and starts the worst goalie in the NHL 2 straight games after?

[Toonage]

Infuriating.

Do the right thing Smith. Decline your next start.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Jiginla1212

Obviously we really need some saves from Smitty but Has anyone else noticed since Peters made those comments about the officials “almost took that game over” of what ever it was he said the flames seem like they aren’t getting any calls. 2 power plays combined in the last 3 games. Lots of calls missed tonight IMO. Maybe I’m just a bit sour we lost hah.

Call out some calls for sure. But you're setting a terrible terrible precedent for your team if you constantly go after the officials. You should be coaching them to ignore the refereeing BS and play through. Steel yourselves against tyranny and you shall prevail. Or something like that.

[Duffalufagus]

Anyone making excuses that don’t entirely start and end at goaltending are off the planet. With all due respect.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by browna

Ask Carey Price and his last troubling two weeks with mental demons. They still don’t seem to be gone, given his body language mid to late part of the second and after both Flames goals. I bet Price is probably talking to Smith tonight.

IMO this is 100% mental on Smiths behalf.

History reminder. Turek let in a softie, and then 3 more goals as the Flames gave up a 3 on 1 and and 2 2 man breakaways, in a game in Jan 2004 bs Tampa. He got booed on all the goals even though none were his fault after the softie.

Sutter intentionally didn’t play him at home the rest of the season, playing only st home in the 3rd period of Game 4 vs SJ, as SJ was well ahead and the Flames played Game 5 the very next night in SJ.

I remember that game well. It was pretty unfair. I also Sutter specifically saying he was sitting Turek precisely because the fans had an issue with him.

[direwolf]

You just know McDavid is licking his chops right now, hoping that Smith gets the start on Saturday. I honestly don't know if I'll have the patience to watch that game if he does.

[zamler]

If Smith is the starter on Saturday then this is the dumbest organization in the league.

[killer_carlson]

Originally Posted by The Boy Wonder

I think 80 to 90 % of that is bull####

If it had been GG or BT I'd agree.

Sigalet's tone was pretty objective. He was quite open about smith's flaws. It sounded credible in my opinion

[Phagoof]

Originally Posted by Johnny Makarov

What kind of idiot benches a goalie who just got a shut out and starts the worst goalie in the NHL 2 straight games after?

Always earned, never given.

[Monahammer]

It would be great if Smith could pull his groin in practice so we all dont have to carry this fear until Saturday

[Always Earned Never Given]

Smith robs us of another ATL.....