[News] Gillies sent back down. Smith is ready.

[Beninho]

What do we do when they need to play Lack again? Yes the goals were not all his fault but the team doesn't play confident in front of him like they did with Johnson.

[Inferno]

Originally Posted by Beninho

What do we do when they need to play Lack again? Yes the goals were not all his fault but the team doesn't play confident in front of him like they did with Johnson.

I think like Johnson this time last season he needs to give the team a reason to be confident in front of him. Johnson made big saves when the team needed him to. I can only think of one big save Lack has made so far. That's not enough.

[JJFlash]

It is clear that the organization favours Gillies over Rittich. They want Gillies to get most starts so move Rittich to back up Smith. Rittich seems capable to effectively play a back up role. Parsons backs up Gillies. Lack becomes head sou chef at Chipotle... Everyone wins.

[Sandman]

I agree that Rittich should be given a shot the next time they need a call-up. He's older than Gillies and has played a few more years of pro hockey, albeit moreso overseas. He's not marinating anymore like Gillies and he has been better than Gillies, so he should get a shot.

[shadowlord]

Originally Posted by locsofblu

Hmmmm. Good news but I bet this is Lack's last chance in the NHL. He's quickly entering Antti Neimi territory.

So... plays for a Cup Contender (PIT) and then claimed twice more off waivers (FLA, MTL)?

[Benched]

Yes. Angry and with Smith in Philly? (and vs. Elliott?)

don't want to jinx it....but it could be a win

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by JJFlash

It is clear that the organization favours Gillies over Rittich. They want Gillies to get most starts so move Rittich to back up Smith. Rittich seems capable to effectively play a back up role. Parsons backs up Gillies. Lack becomes head sou chef at Chipotle... Everyone wins.

Well yeah the team drafted and developed Gillies so obviously they are going to give him every chance but the fact is that Rittich is the better goaltender right now so if the team is really looking for a backup goaltender solution he makes more sense at the present time. I expect Lack will get one more start to prove he can be the backup and if he bombs he's probably going to be put on waivers and sent to the AHL which isn't a great thing in itself as he could be taking starts away from Rittich or Gillies but the big club comes first.

[midniteowl]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Well yeah the team drafted and developed Gillies so obviously they are going to give him every chance but the fact is that Rittich is the better goaltender right now so if the team is really looking for a backup goaltender solution he makes more sense at the present time. I expect Lack will get one more start to prove he can be the backup and if he bombs he's probably going to be put on waivers and sent to the AHL which isn't a great thing in itself as he could be taking starts away from Rittich or Gillies but the big club comes first.

If that's the concern, can they send Lack to ECHL?

[CMPunk]

Originally Posted by midniteowl

If that's the concern, can they send Lack to ECHL?

No

[TheAlpineOracle]

Hope they are not rushing Smith. Our season is in his hands.

[Corral]

Originally Posted by joejoe3

Requote from PGT

I find the superhero lying on a bed touching a picture of Mike Smith gif just a bit creepy.

[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by Corral

I find the superhero lying on a bed touching a picture of Mike Smith gif just a bit creepy.

..and hilarious

[joejoe3]

Originally Posted by Corral

I find the superhero lying on a bed touching a picture of Mike Smith gif just a bit creepy.

It's GG under that mask, lying in his bed of his hotel room after the 8-2 loss

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Corral

I find the superhero lying on a bed touching a picture of Mike Smith gif just a bit creepy.

It’s a .jpg

Does that make it less creepy or more creepy to you?

[PaperBagger'14]

Originally Posted by Corral

I find the superhero lying on a bed touching a picture of Mike Smith gif just a bit creepy.

Should we put that behind NSFW tags too? Someone might be offended

[TheIronMaiden]

Genuine question: at what point does one of the AHL goalies surpass Lack as the back up. I understand that Lack will get a few more games, but if things don't improve before say, January, is he replaced?

[crapshoot]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

Genuine question: at what point does one of the AHL goalies surpass Lack as the back up. I understand that Lack will get a few more games, but if things don't improve before say, January, is he replaced?

Pretty sure he only has one more chance, and he may not even have that. I think that if he craps the bed in his next start he's gone, as the team already had enough of terrible goaltending over the last few seasons. Treliving also probably don't want Lacks poor play to become a distraction in what should be a successful season.

[Stay Golden]

Gulutzen is the main reason Lack is here. As Gulutzen himself has stated several times He wanted him here from their history while with the Csucks. I would be willing to give Lack the chance to prove what Gulutzen see's in him but I have seen enough.
Riitich would be my choice for a call up as backup but I think Lack will be given more chances and doubt if the results will be much different.
Lack based on last 50 games actually ranks 51st in the NHL for WORST .898 save % and 47th goal against % 2.86 both stats out of 52 goalies. Sorry I don't see what the HC sees in Lack.

[UKflames]

I would go with Lack in philly, better not to rush Smith back, even if he says he is fine. It is early in the season and one more game isnt going to do any harm especially as we have games every other night next week when we really will need Smith.

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by Corral

I find the superhero lying on a bed touching a picture of Mike Smith gif just a bit creepy.

You shut your mouth!

From the Gaudreavertime days, to Treliving, to Smith. Everytime that pic is posted, my day is 10x better.

Easily one of the best image templates of all time.