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Oilers Goalie Mike Smith Took The Bulk Of The Blame Following Game One Loss To Kings

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Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith skates to the net in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators Monday, March 2, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Being a scapegoat for the team’s failures is nothing new for Edmonton Oilers goalie Mike Smith.

Despite the Oilers having a top offensive unit centered around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, they’ve flopped in the postseason in recent years, and a lot of blame has fallen on Smith for their shortcomings.

During the Game One loss to the Kings on Monday night, Mike Smith was once again tasked with manning the net. And once again, a critical mistake in the third period costed them a chance at a win.

When fielding a puck behind his own net, Smith made a terrible turnover in the Oilers’ zone, but recovered to make a chaotic save. Shortly thereafter, though, the Kings found the back of the net to take a 4-3 lead — a score that would hold up until the final horn.

Shortly after the Kings’ game-winning goal, Mike Smith was trashed all over social media.

Following the loss on Monday night, Mike Smith is now 0-10 in his playoffs starts. And has lost all six games he’s started for the Oilers in the postseason.

Sure, the Oilers’ problems probably go beyond Smith. They lack an elite defense and could use some more depth pieces around McDavid and Draisaitl.

But at the end of the day, Mike Smith is going to have to prove he can lead a team this time of year. And to this point, he has failed to do so.

Smith and the Oilers will have a chance to settle the score against the young Kings on Wednesday night in Edmonton.

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