For those who are defending Smith, how putrid do you think the Flames' defense is?
You can't use "defensive breakdowns" as an excuse for every single game in which Smith lets in 4+ goals.
The Flames have decent defense. Do you watch other teams play? All teams have breakdowns. Most have just as many breakdowns as the Flames.
Sure, 3 of the goals tonight would have been tough to save. But do you really think goalies like Price, Bobrovsky, Holtby or Gibbons would not have saved at least 2 of those?
This is the NHL. Goalies should be expected to make at least a couple of very strong saves every game.
Smith has been far from good this year. Luckily, Rittich looks promising.
The Flames should start giving him more starts.
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