Calgary Flames Daily: Mike Smith falling at the worst time
By Ramina Shlah
At the most important time for the Calgary Flames as they push for a playoff spot, Mike Smith is starting to somewhat crumble.
First, Mike Smith got injured at what we all thought was the worst time for the Calgary Flames. And now, he’s starting to crumble at an even worse time. In the three games he’s played since returning from injury, he basically cost the Flames two of the games and stole the other game for them.
In the 7-4 loss to the San Jose Sharks last night, he allowed five goals on 17 shots, then six goals on 20 shots. It wasn’t a great night for him. And he definitely should have been pulled much sooner than he was.
The Flames didn’t quite have a bad game, but it wasn’t incredible. And in a tie-game in the second period when they had a 5on3 for 44 seconds, they couldn’t make anything of it. After that, the Sharks scored three goals in 6:20 to take a 6-3 lead heading into the third period.
Calgary Flames
Via Calgary Herald:
"“Smitty’s a pro,” said Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan of his goaltender. “He’s hard on himself. But we had some critical moments in the game. That five-on-three for 44 seconds, it’s a tight game and you need to generate more. A couple things we didn’t execute.”"
It’s also been confirmed that Smith will start tomorrow’s afternoon game against the Vegas Golden Knights. But if he follows this current trend, he’ll steal the show and the game for the Flames.
I do feel bad for Smith, though. He’s been incredible all season long and has stolen multiple games for the Flames. But he’s just been slightly off since returning from injury.
Via Calgary Sun:
"“Terrible,” spat Smith when asked to assess the crippling 7-4 loss.“It was one of those nights where pucks were hitting things and going in. Couple bad breaks there. Definitely an off-night and tough one to swallow.”"
Let’s hope he gets back into his regular Mike Smith ways. The Calgary Flames could really use a miracle right now.
Some links surrounding the Flames
Smith falters at inopportune time (Calgary Sun).
Flames ‘too loose’ in loss to Sharks (Calgary Herald).
Flames’ Travis Hamonic reflects on critics, expectations in Calgary (Sportsnet).
Some links surrounding hockey and the NHL
Capitals star Evgeny Kuznetsov leaves game after hard fall into the boards (FanSided).
Kovalchuk aiming for NHL return after five years away (Sportsnet).
Ovechkin welcomed to 600-goal club in special tribute video (NHL.com).
Next: Three takeaways from the 7-4 loss to the Sharks
That’s all in today’s Flames Daily!