In trying to understand Smith's poor play this season, I've looked at other goalies who have struggled this year, in hopes of finding a link (i.e. equipment? rule changes?). One of those goalies is Tuukka Rask, who has been outplayed by backup Jaroslav Halak this year.
Well, Rask was just granted a leave of absence relating to a personal matter, so that might explain his below-average performance this year:
https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/brui...sk/c-301766002