In Greek mythology, there exists a Titan named Atlas whom is tasked (more accurately, punished) with separating the world from the sky, by holding the sky on his shoulders for all eternity.
Through two-thirds of the 2017-18 season, Mike Smith has been the Flames’ Atlas, keeping the sky from falling. Aside from perhaps Johnny Gaudreau or Matthew Tkachuk, he’s been their MVP, and if Smith is out of commission for any stretch of time, it would be a huge hit to the Flames.
But exactly how huge?
Since being called up in late November, David Rittich has played admirably in the few spot starts he’s been afforded.