EDMONTON, AB -Spoiler alert -- when you look up the word swaggerin the dictionary, you won't see a photo of Mike Smith. His name isn't mentioned in the provided examples either.
According to the Meriam-Webster Dictionary, the first known use of swagger was circa 1596. And 424 years later, there may not be a better embodiment of the word than Oilers netminder Mike Smith.
Since the calendar flipped to 2020, Smith has been a force in the Edmonton goal. He's helped the Oilers pick up points in 14 of his last 15 starts (10-1-4) while carrying a .915 SV% and a 2.63 GAA. Those numbers are even better on home ice (4-0-2, .923 SV% & 2.37GAA), which is great news for Head Coach Dave Tippett, considering Smith is expected to get the start on Saturday at Rogers Place.
"When your goaltender plays well, and both guys have played well, it gives your team a swagger," said Tippett following Friday morning's practice. "Your goalie goes in there and you know you're going to get good goaltending every night. With Mike, his game was a down in December but he's turned the page and has played really well since. Whenever a goaltender plays well, it gives your team confidence and that's what Mike does.
"He's a real solid veteran, he's a vocal leader in that room and his play is backing up those vocals right now."
BLOG: Smith providing Oilers with 'swagger'
"He's a real solid veteran, he's a vocal leader in that room and his play is backing up those vocals right now," said Oilers Head Coach Dave Tippett
