Smith: Solid Goaltender for Rebuilt Tampa Team

Lightning Bruins Hockey

As many of you might know, I am an avid collector of hockey cards. Although my face has never appeared on one, I have forever dreamed of opening up a pack and discovering an athletically candid picture of myself printed on glossy card stock.

Today, I came across one of my Mike Smith cards from last season and I was reminded that Tampa Bay has made large improvements over the few seasons, with Smith definitely being one of them. As I read the card, this sentence stood out:

“Smith, a member of the 2006-07 NHL All-Rookie Team, was a big reason Tampa Bay was willing to part with Brad Richards and should help stabilize the goaltending position for a revamped Lightning squad.” (UDC, 2008)

Despite a losing record, Smith has posted a save percentage above .900 for all three years spent as an NHL goaltender. He was worthy of being traded for Brad Richards, a gifted forward who recorded at least 60 points in each full season he played for the Lightning.

Smith is a fierce competitor, continually studying the game in order to find ways to improve his play. After the loss against Atlanta last Saturday which saw Smith allow 22 of 28 shots, Smith said “The bottom line is, bounce or not, you have to find a way to make saves”. This is what he does, Mike Smith shoulders responsibility. Mike Smith finds a way to make saves. Mike Smith finds the way to win games.

As Lightning fans express worry over the opening game loss, I remind them that every good team is built from the goaltender out. And with Smith in net, the team looks better than ever. Keep you chin up, because there are some exciting times ahead.

The Lightning take on the Canes tonight in Raleigh. Game time is 7pm EST.