Twitter holds its breath after Mike Smith's injury
They may have come away with a big two points against the New York Islanders on Sunday night, but the Calgary Flames' loss between the pipes was much, much bigger.
Flames No. 1 goaltender - and potential MVP - Mike Smith went down awkwardly with 1.1 seconds left in the third period after trying to make a save. Smith rolled onto his back, clearly in pain, and left the game.
Despite Calgary not providing any update on his status postgame, Twitter exploded with an outpouring of concern and support for the Flames' starting netminder.
Given Smith's history of groin injuries and his importance to the team's success, hockey fans in Calgary are more than a little bit nervous about Smith's well-being:
UM?????? IF MIKE SMITH IS INJURED I WILL SUE THE ENTIRE STATE OF NEW YORK
— Flame For Thought (@Flame_4_Thought) February 12, 2018
That did not look good at all, Mike Smith helped off the ice late in a Flames win at Brooklyn. Hope it's not serious.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 12, 2018
Man that’s tough to see Mike Smith go down with one second left. Hope he’s back soon. Guy is a brick wall.
— Graham DeLaet (@GrahamDeLaet) February 12, 2018
My #FantasyHockey team right now waiting for the news on Mike Smith pic.twitter.com/GuFfoW46JL
— Steve (@SteveD29) February 12, 2018
Well Mr. Rittich the ball looks to be in your court for the time being. Really going to be tested against Boston and Nashville. Show us what you got.
— Matchsticks&Gasoline (@MatchsticksCGY) February 12, 2018
If Mike Smith is out for an extended period of time, the Flames are toast.
— James The Flames (@mrdeeds72) February 12, 2018
CAL with a huge comeback to beat NYI, 3-2, but Mike Smith helped off-ice with 1.1 seconds to go. That's a potentially major development. He's having an MVP-type year
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 12, 2018
Injuries to starting goalies are never good, at any time of the season.
But considering the approaching trade deadline and that Calgary lost AHL goalie Tyler Parsons to injury Sunday as well, things are going from bad to worse for a Flames team fighting for its playoff life.
Rough day for #Flames goalies. Mike Smith goes down with 1.1 seconds remaining in a win against the Islanders, and Tyler Parsons leaves with an apparent injury (per @AHLHeat) in a loss to Milwaukee too.
— Aaron Vickers (@AAVickers) February 12, 2018