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Bolts' Doubts About Smith Gone

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Lightning goalie Mike Smith has earned the trust of his teammates with his solid play lately.

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON

eerlendsson@tampatrib.com

Published: January 8, 2009

Updated: 01/08/2009 02:41 am

PHOENIX - Entering the start of training camp, Mike Smith was a question. Halfway through the season, he's been the Lightning's answer.

Since Nikolai Khabibulin left town before the 2005-06 season, the Lightning's search for a true No. 1 goaltender has resembled that of somebody lost in the desert seeking an oasis. Many times you think you've found one, only to figure out it was a mirage.

Smith, however, might be the one to end the search.

On the surface, Smith's numbers don't stand out. Entering tonight's game against the Coyotes, the 26-year-old goaltender has a record of 9-14-9 with a 2.53 goals-against average and .919 save percentage.

His play, on the other hand, suggests that he has established himself as a bona fide No. 1 goaltender. Not that his teammates had any doubt.

"He's legitimized himself from Day One," right wing Mark Recchi said. "I didn't know a whole lot about him, just because he was in the other conference when Smith was in Dallas and wasn't the starter, but he's a good goalie, he's a great goalie. He's athletic, he's technically sound ... he's a true No. 1 and he's proven himself."

In 31 starts this season, Smith has allowed two or fewer goals 15 times. Yet, in those 15 games, Smith has picked up the victory in fewer than half with a record of 7-2-6.

But Smith keeps on turning in solid performances, even if he's been noticeably frustrated at times. Only on rare occasions have there been he-should-have-had-that goals or nights he was off. Even when he's on his game and the team still loses, he puts a lot of that burden on himself.

"I've seen a side of him that he's a real competitor, he's got a lot of bite," interim coach Rick Tocchet said. "He takes losses hard and you can tell he's really trying to solidify himself as a No. 1 goalie in this league, which he has done."

During his 11/2 seasons in Dallas as an understudy to Marty Turco, Smith was often thought to be a No. 1 in waiting. But even when the Lightning sent former Conn Smythe trophy winner Brad Richards to the Stars, Smith was still unproven.

He took steps with his training during the summer - even before he was awarded a two-year contract extension - to ensure he seized his opportunity. He has proven himself by taking on a heavy load of games, including making his 11th consecutive start tonight. Getting between the pipes on a regular basis hasn't put him through any kind of mental strain; rather, the opposite.

"For me, mentally, it's been easier playing a lot," Smith said. "I'll say it until I'm done playing, the hardest position in this game is to be a backup goalie or an enforcer, not knowing when you are going to get a start again. It's nice knowing that if you win you are going to play and if you don't play well and let the team down a little bit, they're going to give you another chance to go in there and bounce back from those things."

Reporter Erik Erlendsson can be reached at (813) 259-7835.

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