The Calgary Flames faithful held their collective breath on Sunday night as starting goaltender — and potential team MVP — Mike Smith suffered what seemed to be a significant injury in the final moments of Calgary’s 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders.
After originally reporting that Smith was seen walking after the Flames’ win, Sportsnet’s Eric Francis said Monday that the netminder’s injury is not believed to be as bad as the club originally feared.
The 35-year-old goaltender has had a spectacular season for the Albertan club, posting a save percentage of .921 and a goals-against average of 2.53. — both marks rank as Smith’s best in six seasons.
Should he miss time for the Flames, backup David Rittich is next in line to take over the cage. Through nine appearances this season, Rittich boasts a save percentage of .927 and a goals-against average of 2.20.
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