There's much more good than bad when it comes to his puckhandling. But it would lend additional options to the breakout for Smith to recognize when there is an opportunity for one of his defencemen to use the net as a shield and slide it behind his net, coming out with speed the other side.
Here's an article comparing Price's style with Smith's:
Carey Price vs. Mike Smith: Two styles of elite puckhandling goalies
Quote:
Smith prefers the high-risk, long-range pass (or shot!), epitomizing the “bomber” style of puckhandling. Price, on the other hand, prefers quick passes that have far lower risk and shorter range, which we might call the “archer” style (a term a bowhunter like Price would no doubt appreciate).
A bomber’s primary skill is the strength and accuracy of his shot: Smith’s goal featured above is a perfect example of a powerful, rapid launch with superb technique. Clearly not every goalie, even at the NHL level, can shoot the puck like this.
An archer relies more on his dexterity in closer quarters. Watch Price deal with this tricky situation that most goaltenders would be better off avoiding.
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