[GDT] Flames @ Stars - 6:30 PM - TV: Sportsnet West | RADIO: Sportsnet 960

[Beninho]

Bsd! Bsd! Bsd!

[thymebalm]

Neal hasn’t done much offensively, but he did fill 15 minutes of ice time on a winning team. Curious to see how our depth guys fill that role.

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by Zulu29

He took some stitches to the face last game, maybe a lingering injury?

My guess is it's a light enough injury that he could play if needed, but with the team rolling and him still not contributing it's probably better if he sits in the press box to rest a bit

[direwolf]

Makes sense that Rittich would get another start since they had a day off between games. Based on Peters' comments, it sounds like they've been slowly grooming him to officially take over the #1 spot. I'd say he's more than earned it at this point. Dude is a wall back there, and the guys obviously love playing in front of him. As far as I'm concerned, Smith can continue to ride the pine until Rittich needs a rest.

[Flame19,289]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

A bit of a trap game. Dallas at home is a much better team than its overall record implies. They have very good forwards who can burn you. And Bishop can pull a good game out as well...

The Stars home record is 10-3-1.
The Stars are 9-3-1 against the Pacific Division.

However, the Flames are 10-2-1 versus the Central.

Should be a good match-up. It would be nice to finish off the road trip with a total of 6 points. GFG!

[TheScorpion]

I see goals from Gaudreau, Bennett, and Ryan tonight. Don't know if that'll be enough to win against a Dallas team that these Flames have had trouble with.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by direwolf

Makes sense that Rittich would get another start since they had a day off between games. Based on Peters' comments, it sounds like they've been slowly grooming him to officially take over the #1 spot. I'd say he's more than earned it at this point. Dude is a wall back there, and the guys obviously love playing in front of him. As far as I'm concerned, Smith can continue to ride the pine until Rittich needs a rest.

I know a lot of people have been frustrated by Peters's usage of Rittich v Smith this season, but I personally believe this step-by-step incremental approach to developing him has been instrumental to Rittich's success this year. He is a 26-year-old second-year NHL goalie who with tonight's start will match his season high from last year. I think the best thing for the long run is to continue to challenge him, but manage his starts accordingly.

[Torture]

Originally Posted by direwolf

Makes sense that Rittich would get another start since they had a day off between games. Based on Peters' comments, it sounds like they've been slowly grooming him to officially take over the #1 spot. I'd say he's more than earned it at this point. Dude is a wall back there, and the guys obviously love playing in front of him. As far as I'm concerned, Smith can continue to ride the pine until Rittich needs a rest.

And that is definitely the right approach. We as fans may be impatient but Peters knows what he's doing setting Rittich up for success rather than throwing him to the wolves.

[CroFlames]

Play Buzz Kylington in Neal's spot.

[killer_carlson]

I have an irrational dislike for Bareuther.

He and P.A Parenteau

[Otto-matic]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1075103481864773632

Jim Montgomery likes our brand of hockey!

[The Professor]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I know a lot of people have been frustrated by Peters's usage of Rittich v Smith this season, but I personally believe this step-by-step incremental approach to developing him has been instrumental to Rittich's success this year. He is a 26-year-old second-year NHL goalie who with tonight's start will match his season high from last year. I think the best thing for the long run is to continue to challenge him, but manage his starts accordingly.

Absolutely.

Last year folks were so eager to declare him not a starter because he stumbled when thrust into that role. Whereas maybe he needed to learn it? Maybe he learned from that experience?

This year folks are so eager to declare him already the starter. But maybe it’s best to baby step it to ensure continued success.

I mean, what is the most number of games he’s ever started in a season?

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by The Professor

Absolutely.

Last year folks were so eager to declare him not a starter because he stumbled when thrust into that role. Whereas maybe he needed to learn it? Maybe he learned from that experience?

This year folks are so eager to declare him already the starter. But maybe it’s best to baby step it to ensure continued success.

I mean, what is the most number of games he’s ever started in a season?

Rittich career high for starts was 16 last year. He matches that with the start tonight.

should clarify that is the NHL.

In Stockton, it looks like he played in 31 games, so probably started around 25-27.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by The Professor

Absolutely.

Last year folks were so eager to declare him not a starter because he stumbled when thrust into that role. Whereas maybe he needed to learn it? Maybe he learned from that experience?

This year folks are so eager to declare him already the starter. But maybe it’s best to baby step it to ensure continued success.

I mean, what is the most number of games he’s ever started in a season?

Dunno about starts but he played in 48 games in the Czech league. But after that the most appearances was 33 last year (21 NHL and 12 AHL). He's played 18 this year (17 starts IIRC).

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by The Professor

Absolutely.

Last year folks were so eager to declare him not a starter because he stumbled when thrust into that role. Whereas maybe he needed to learn it? Maybe he learned from that experience?

This year folks are so eager to declare him already the starter. But maybe it’s best to baby step it to ensure continued success.

I mean, what is the most number of games he’s ever started in a season?

Forty-eight. And that was in the 14-team Czech league which plays a 52-game season. Rittich in his entire professional hockey career has only once played more than 35 games in a season.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

Yeah if you get hit in the face like it’s possible there’s some damage to his cheekbone or jaw. Hope he’s ok.

Maybe even just enough dental work to hinder him. It's not the worst timing - he needs to have a mental break.

[Bunk]

I liked Peters' comments on Rittich about his save in OT in Philly and passing the test in his first back-to-back. Then going back to him tonight - it seems clear they are testing him and easing him into the true starter's role.

[transplant99]

FYI....Rick Ball has lost his voice so Derek Wills is doing the TV pbp and Loubardias will be solo on the radio side.

[TheScorpion]

Woah, Loubardias going solo? That might be a must-listen. It's been too long since he's called a game

[Robbob]

Kind of weird that they just don't use the radio feed for TV or vice versa. I guess for sponsors and such.