Mike Smith is the Calgary Flames’ starting netminder for Game 1 of the 2019 playoffs. Those are better numbers than Smith, who was 23-16-2 with a 2.73 goals against average, and .898 save percentage. But the Flames are going with the safe options — the guy who has experienced the intensity and emotion of the Stanley Cup tournament. “The emotions are going to run high, but I think the experience in the past will help you through situations like this. I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing the last few months and hopefully get a big win in Game 1.”The Flames’ first-round series kicks off with Game 1 Thursday night at the Saddledome.

Source: National Post April 11, 2019 16:46 UTC