[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Mike Smith literally cannot entertain criticism that his performances may be bad. It's a sports psyche thing.

His entire demeanor is built on the notion that he is an elite performer. His mental makeup suggests even the slightest vulnerability has an extreme impact on his performance.

You can see it on the ice the way he flails at pucks that go past him or sticks his arms up etc. His propensity to blame his teammates is a preemptive deflection from his own performance.

If Mike Smith started rationally discussing which goals were his fault and which weren't, his abilities as a pro would be significantly diminished.

Some guys just cannot entertain weakness in their game. Some guys thrive on criticism.

Kipper's mental outlook was that he didn't care at all. Smith's outlook is that he cares too much, all the time.

When Mike Smith is at his worst, it's when he's not caring. When he's momentarily distracted. When he skates to the bench with a smile on his face and James Neal has to go over and tell him to 'make a ####in' save'.

When he's at his best is when he's in a controlled rage.

It's just the way he's wired.

Excellently stated. Thank you.