Oilers turning back to Smith for Game 2
Derek Leung / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith will start Game 2 against the Calgary Flames on Friday, head coach Jay Woodcroft confirmed.
"Mike Smith is quite clear in the team’s faith in him," Woodcroft said, per The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman.
Smith was yanked from Game 1 after allowing three goals on 10 shots in just over six minutes.
Mikko Koskinen entered the contest and gave up five goals on 37 shots in a chaotic series opener that ended in a 9-6 Calgary victory.
Smith and Koskinen split starting duties throughout the regular season but he ultimately won the job down the stretch and into the playoffs. The 40-year-old was sensational in Round 1 against the Los Angeles Kings, posting a .938 save percentage in seven games.
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