The undisputed hero of the season has been Mike Smith. After a trying few years when Flames goaltending was either nonexistent or inconsistent, Smith has been the exact opposite, often times being the best player on the ice.
Now he’s getting rewarded. With LA Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick sitting out this year’s All-Star game, Smith has been named to the Pacific team, joining teammate Johnny Gaudreau at this weekend’s festivities.
All Star notes:
-Sounds like Brayden Point will replace Victor Hedman on Atlantic Team.
-Jon Quick is going to pass on the weekend. Replacement will be Mike Smith.
-Even if suspended, Marchand is expected to be in Tampa.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) January 24, 2018
Smith currently places fifth in the NHL with regards to save percentage, rocking a .926 SV%. Among Pacific Division goalies, he falls second behind Vegas’ Marc-Andre Fleury (still feels weird to type that). He’s been particularly hot as of late, killing it with a .960 SV% in his last five starts.
Smith made an All-Star appearance last year, his only other appearance at the games. He scored a goal from all the way across the ice during the skills competition.
