Oilers Will Start Mike Smith in Game 1
4 years agoIn a somewhat surprising bit of news, the Edmonton Oilers will start goalie Mike Smith against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Qualifying Round Saturday afternoon. Smith edged fellow Oilers goalie, Mikko Koskinen, in games played during the regular season at 39 to 38 but the latter player had the better performance. Koskinen finished the regular season with a 2.75 GAA and .917 save percentage compared to Smith at 2.95 GAA and .902 save percentage. The veteran has extensive playoff experience while Koskinen has never appeared in a playoff game. At the other end of the ice, the Blackhawks had a much easier decision to make and will go with veteran Corey Crawford in net.
Source: Tom Gulitti, NHL.com
Source: Tom Gulitti, NHL.com