Feb 15 practice notes. Smith starts vs Pens. Neal out. Lazar recalled from Heat

[sureLoss]

Derek Wills @Fan960Wills
#Flames on the ice for practice in Pittsburgh...James Neal is not. Lines and pairings to follow. #CGYvsPIT

News Update

Ryan Leslie @ryanleslie73
Smith starts vs Penguins Saturday.

Derek Wills @Fan960Wills
Mike Smith with start, James Neal won’t play for #Penguins tomorrow. #Flames may recall forward from @AHLHeat. #CGYvsPIT

[Toonage]

Lou on 960 suggesting the Flames should go back to Smith. Said the Flames brass liked his game a lot. Boy I would caution against that. Yes Smith had a good game but how often has he played a good one and then came back the next game with a let down. Save Smith for Monday.

[CanadaMatt]

Who’s the 13th forward right now, Czarnik? Does he slot right into the 3rd line?

[Otto-matic]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Lou on 960 suggesting the Flames should go back to Smith. Said the Flames brass liked his game a lot. Boy I would caution against that. Yes Smith had a good game but how often has he played a good one and then came back the next game with a let down. Save Smith for Monday.

We need Smith to get going.

He played great last night so I don't see why he shouldn't be rewarded with the start.

Rittich has clearly struggled since getting injured and maybe a couple games for him to reset is what the doctor ordered.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Lou on 960 suggesting the Flames should go back to Smith. Said the Flames brass liked his game a lot. Boy I would caution against that. Yes Smith had a good game but how often has he played a good one and then came back the next game with a let down. Save Smith for Monday.

Maybe they'll figure it out after the 378th time that the guy cannot play good consecutive games any more.

He was actually excellent last night from what I saw, but I've never seen so much rope given to a goalie on the verge of retirement in my life.

[Toonage]

We need Rittich to get going.

We need Smith to play like he did last night about 6 more times this year.

[bax]

Hope the news isn't too bad for James. I really want to see him in the playoffs

[Otto-matic]

Originally Posted by Toonage

We need Rittich to get going.

We need Smith to play like he did last night about 6 more times this year.

So if Rittich gets shellshocked again tomorrow. How does that get him going?

[AC]

@ryanleslie73
Smith starts vs Penguins Saturday.

[sureLoss]

Pittsburgh Penguins @penguins
The Penguins have activated defenseman Justin Schultz from injured reserve. Schultz has missed the past 53 games after fracturing his left leg on Oct. 13 in Montreal.

@6Schultz6 is a game-time decision for tomorrow's game vs. Calgary.

[memphusk]

Don't really care for that, but maybe a good beating by Pittsburgh again could be what the doctor ordered.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

So if Rittich gets shellshocked again tomorrow. How does that get him going?

He has to play through this and the team needs to be better in front of him to help him through this. If he can't, then at least the Flames know what they need to target either the deadline or this off season.

Smith will not be back next year. Rittich likely will be. The Flames have a cushion, they can use these games to work out the issues or figure out their next move.

If the Flames are going to have playoff success it eill be with Rittich or someone they spend for.

Right now, Rittich needs to play.

Lol..and after all that I see the update from Leslie right now. Hope for the best tomorrow.

[Fan in Exile]

I hope Smith holds out and plays well, even though experience does not support that he will. Absolutely hate the way the Flames have managed goaltending since the All-Star break. I think Rittich has good reason to feel he does not have the confidence of Peters.

[Otto-matic]

If the Flames are going to go big game hunting for a forward, I want Smith to be getting some good games in just incase Ritter falters. He can't just play the crappy teams that aren't in the playoff race and expect good results.

[sureLoss]

Derek Wills @Fan960Wills
Mike Smith with start, James Neal won’t play for #Penguins tomorrow. #Flames may recall forward from @AHLHeat. #CGYvsPIT

[Buff]

Put in Smith. Let Rittich think about what he hasn't been doing and let him get motivated to get back on track. I just hope Smith doesn't get pulled because he played like Smith. Maybe he can get another game after that if the Flames win and he does well. But for me the goal is to get Rittich pressure to up his game and take the starters net back asap.

[DeluxeMoustache]

^ should hope not, Willsy. It’s been years since Neal played for the Pens

[Inferno]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Maybe they'll figure it out after the 378th time that the guy cannot play good consecutive games any more.

He was actually excellent last night from what I saw, but I've never seen so much rope given to a goalie on the verge of retirement in my life.

I don't get this. Smith hasn't played in consecutive games that weren't because Rittich was hurt since December 8th when he was on his winning streak.

[mrdonkey]

This team’s baffling loyalty to Smith will be their downfall.

[Otto-matic]

Originally Posted by mrdonkey

This team’s baffling loyalty to Smith will be their downfall.

I don't see it as baffling loyalty to Smith. Rittich has been getting the starters net for majority of the season.