3. Mike Smith. Just… Mike Smith.
Mar 24, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) and Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Zbynek Michalek (4) watch a loose puck in front of Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) during the second period of a game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Last season saw Mike Smith (yes, I’m seeing how many times I can type out Mike Smith before you all start throwing popcorn at me) with a lower body injury and less-consistent play than he’d had back in 2011-2012.
This season sees news reports of a healthy Mike Smith and a new Mike Smith backup. Thomas Greiss has taken off, and Devan Dubnyk is here hoping that goalie coach (and prospect parent) Sean Burke can shape up his horrendously inconsistent game.
We need Mike Smith to remain healthy. We need Mike Smith to remain consistent. We need Mike Smith’s backup (and, if the occasion arises, Portland’s Mark Visentin) to step it up for the handful of games they play. We need to watch in training camp and see how things are looking.
Unless you’re the Chicago Blackhawks, you can’t win games- or championships- without a very, very good goalie. At times, that’s what Mike Smith has been… it’s time to watch and see if he can become that once again.