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The Calgary Flames have rallied off four consecutive victories, and three of those have come with Cam Talbot in the crease. David Rittich struggled to end the calendar year of 2019, while Talbot has really upped his game over his last handful of starts.
With that in mind, is there a goalie controversy brewing in Calgary? Let’s take a look at some background on the two this season as well as their recent play.
For most of the first half of the season, the next belonged to David Rittich as he started 30 of the Flames first 41 games. While he never blew you away most nights, he was steady and helped the Flames to a decent first half. On the other side was Cam Talbot who only played a rare game here and there, only making three starts between October 23 and December 6th at one point. He performed well, but the team often didn’t back him up and he took a loss.
Lately though things have turned with Talbot having started three of the last four, and posting victories while only allowing one goal in the last two. In fact he’s only allowed more than two goals just twice in his last eight appearances, both which happened to be wins.
Rittich on the other hand has allowed three or more goals in 7 of his last 10 starts. He is 6-3-1 but has obviously received some run support to bail him out. Talbot on the other hand has received almost no offensive support during his starts this year, with the team averaging only a meager 2.07 GF/Game which is less than any other NHL team this season.
While there is a desire to ride the hot hand in Talbot, you also have to ensure you maintain Rittich’s confidence as he did show through the first half that he could take over the net when needed too. With the Flames having only a handful games between now and the All-Star/5 Day break, the Flames have to manage their starts wisely.
So in your opinion does Calgary have a goaltending controversy, or is this just the case of a hot streak for Talbot and Rittich going a little cold?
Poll
Is there a goalie controversy?
This poll is closed
-
27%
Yes, Talbot has earned the net
(73 votes) -
30%
Yes, but Rittich is still the #1 for now
(82 votes) -
38%
No, it’s just a hot and cold streak
(101 votes) -
3%
No, they haven’t played a playoff team
(9 votes)
Based on your answer above, what do you think the Flames should do with four games before their extended break.
Poll
How should they split the starts before the break?
This poll is closed
-
29%
It’s Talbot’s net right now
(58 votes) -
25%
50-50
(50 votes) -
19%
You can’t let Rittich get cold
(37 votes) -
25%
Win and You’re In
(49 votes)
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