[News] "Big Save Dave" Rittich starts against Vegas

[sureLoss]

Torie Peterson @ToriePeterson
#Flames head coach Bill Peters says it will be David Rittich in net tomorrow vs. Vegas. Game time is 7:00 PM MT with Sportsnet West carrying the TV broadcast. #VGKvsCGY

[FlamesFanTrev]

He sure as hell better be

[Erick Estrada]

It's the right call. In addition to being pretty solid he brings some energy to the team. I don't think Smith should be starting many more home games this season.

[Beninho]

Beautiful

[PugnaciousIntern]

Doesn't seem like much, because he has logically been the better goalie, and this decision makes sense.

But this is a huge move. Not only does Rittich start in the BOA, now it's a back-to-back start, with Smith on the bench. When was the last time Smith has sat in back-to-back games when (relatively) healthy and still in the playoff hunt? Rittich might not be labelled the undisputed 'starter' quite yet, but he's certainly not just the backup.

[burn_this_city]

Team seems to feed off his energy and in game demeanour.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

[GranteedEV]

He's earned it. Best case scenario is that he can prove himself this season, start around 48 of the next 62 games, and finish with a > .915 SV% on the season, while Smith also rediscovers his game and gives us competent backup goaltending, primarily on the road since Smith has struggled at the Dome even before his injury, and the Bronx cheer he's been getting on routine saves is probably a distraction at this point.

That would set us up exceptionally well for the future - Rittich is the same age a guy like Corey Crawford was when he became a starter.

Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern

Not only does Rittich start in the BOA, now it's a back-to-back start, with Smith on the bench. When was the last time Smith has sat in back-to-back games when (relatively) healthy and still in the playoff hunt? Rittich might not be labelled the undisputed 'starter' quite yet, but he's certainly not just the backup.

Rittich started in Montreal after winning in New York.

[Monahan For Mayor]

6-1 .933
5-7-1 .874

It's a easy choice.

[calumniate]

Keep neal, ryan and frolik together too please!

[FlamesAreOne]

And so the official Rittich era begins.

[iggy_oi]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Team seems to feed off his energy and in game demeanour.

You mean the way he stops shots that shouldn’t be going in? I agree the team really seems to responding well to that, who would have thought?

[transplant99]

BSD....thats the new moniker.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Bermuda Shorts Day?

[Coach]

Originally Posted by iggy_oi

You mean the way he stops shots that shouldn’t be going in? I agree the team really seems to responding well to that, who would have thought?

Also shots that SHOULD go in but otherwise don't (ala, 3 short handed breakaways).

I do think his personality plays into his potential as a long term goaltender for the team. Everyone loves a weirdo goofball goalie who is a rock between the pipes. Smith is a professional and I'm sure likeable and fun guy, but he's not the goalie thats gonna make you shake your head laughing saying "WTF?" to yourself.

[tvp2003]

Peters: “Hey Rittich, win and you’re in”

<< Looks at Smith >>

“Lose and you’re also in”

[memphusk]

Finally.

[Hackey]

Craig Button told us this yesterday.

[Huntingwhale]

Big D### David Rittich

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Originally Posted by Hackey

Craig Button told us this yesterday.

Mike Smith told us this Thursday.