Calgary Flames Daily: Mike Smith potential groin injury?
In a win over the New York Islanders, Calgary Flames netminder, Mike Smith, may have suffered a groin injury with just 1.1 seconds left in the game.
The game last night was going well. The Calgary Flames were about to win and go 3-1-0 this week. But with 1.1 seconds left in the game, Mike Smith stretched awkwardly in an attempt to make a save and went down in clear discomfort.
He needed help off the ice and seemed to be in quite a bit of pain. David Rittich had to come in and finish the game for those 1.1 seconds.
Damn great win for david rittich👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼
— Flame For Thought (@Flame_4_Thought) February 12, 2018
However, after the game, Eric Francis reported that Smith did not have a limp, which generally with groin injuries, players would walk out with a bit of a limp. And then this morning, he said this:
Hearing from several sources Mike Smith’s groin injury not nearly as bad as originally feared.
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) February 12, 2018
Let’s all cross our fingers that it’s nothing serious. An injury right now to Mike Smith at this crucial time in the season could break the Flames. And that’s not to discredit David Rittich in any way, who has been phenomenal and can most likely hold his own, but he’s also never been a starting NHL goaltender and it may worry people to depend mostly on him. The Flames have yet to release an update on Smith’s state, so we’ll have to wait for that.
On a brighter note, Johnny Gaudreau was named the second start of the week in the NHL last week. He had two goals and seven points in four games to help the Flames go 3-1-0 last week. The Flames have now won four of their last five games after losing six in a row. They currently sit in the third Pacific Division spot, but who knows, they could be out by tomorrow. It’s quite close in the Western Conference right now, especially the Pacific Division.
the philadelphia eagles have singlehandedly saved the flames season
— Flame For Thought (@Flame_4_Thought) February 12, 2018
Flames Tweet of the day
You wonder how many kids got detentions in school because of Matthew Tkachuk.
— Darren Haynes (@DarrenWHaynes) February 12, 2018
Hockey Tweet of the day
It’s not necessarily hockey, but this was too funny not to put in.
If I were a figure skater I’d hire a mariachi band to play live during my routine. Absolutely no chance I don’t win gold
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) February 12, 2018
Some links surrounding the Flames
Flames beat Islanders but potentially lose Smith with groin injury (Calgary Sun).
Smith’s injury sours great return to Brooklyn for Flames’ Hamonic (Sportsnet).
Lazar scores first goal of the season, stays true to fourth-line form (Calgary Sun).
Some links surrounding hockey and the NHL
NHL trade deadline 2018: 5 players who will be dealt (FanSided).
NHL Mixed Bag: Are we in for a boring trade deadline stalemate? (Sporting News).
All in the family: Canadian hockey rookie Sarah Nurse follows in the long line of sporting accomplishment (National Post).
Next: Tkachuk stars in Flames 3-2 comeback win
That’s all in today’s Calgary Flames Daily! And congrats to the Canadian figure skating team last night. I would absolutely die for Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.