The Calgary Flames got good news on Tuesday when they learned that goaltender Mike Smith‘s lower-body injury was not as bad as they originally feared. Smith underwent an MRI this morning to get a better idea of the extent of the injury. Smith will miss tonight’s game against the Boston Bruins, and Thursday’s game against the Nashville Predators, but will be day-to-day after that. He could be back for Saturday’s game against the Florida Panthers.
Gulutzan said Mike Smith’s lower body injury (not a groin injury) is not as bad as initially feared. MRI news was positive. Won’t play in Nashville but will be day-to-day after that.
— Kristen Anderson (@KdotAnderson) February 13, 2018
Gulutzan on Smth’s injury: “Sometimes the mental rest is good as long as the physical stuff that he’s going to heal up. He’s a workhorse. But we’re just happy with the news. Everyone is pretty relieved that it wasn’t more serious.”
— Kristen Anderson (@KdotAnderson) February 13, 2018
Calgary Flames Goaltender Mike Smith Injury Not As Bad as Originally Feared
David Rittich will get the start tonight, while Jon Gillies has been recalled from the AHL on an emergency basis and will serve as the back-up. The plan also appears to be that Rittich will play Nashville as well.
Smith injured himself making a save against John Tavares of the New York Islanders late in Sunday’s 3-2 win. Smith needed assistance off the ice with just 1.1 seconds left in the third period of the game.
Smith is 23-16-6 with a 2.53 goals-against-average and .921 save percentage so far this season. The 35-year-old was acquired in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes last summer. He has played 13 years in the NHL, with the Flames, Coyotes, Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning.
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