Then, Thursday rolls around — an authoritative 4-0 Game 1 playoff win over the Colorado Avalanche to draw first blood in the Western Conference first-round best-of-seven series. Smith made 26 business-like saves for his first shut-out since Dec. 6 versus the Minnesota Wild, only third goose egg of the year. goalie said on Friday after the Flames’ scrapped their practice and held a media availability following a morning full of treatment and meetings. Dubbed the Flames’ starter for Game 1 on Thursday, there was no question who was going to start on Saturday after Smith proved that he was the right person for the job. And maintaining an even keel, as acutely displayed for Smith this regular season, is everything.

Source: National Post April 13, 2019 01:56 UTC