A few old habits (spending too much time on his face) against the Islanders, but his puck control ended that game before the Isles had much of a chance to get going.
With Smith in net, they have to maintain possession over the blueline and the Flames held that line really well. Matched with an aggressive Smith, you saw the Islanders shooting from low-chance areas all night. I'm sure he wants goal #1 back, and #2 was a goof all around - but he was a big difference maker against the Islanders last night. Neither goals were 'bad goals' against Smith, they just look much worse when you see the resulting SV% with how low he and his defence kept the shots against.
Win and your in is likely why we're not seeing Rittich, and I think we're seeing this employed now largely to give the crease a bit of a rest. Smith getting a rest from the world crashing in on him, and Rittich getting a rest from the world resting on his shoulders.
I don't think this means anything for the team going forward besides taking a breather and starting fresh. Mike Smith is showing he can help, and bring a frustrating dynamic to the game.
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