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Smith says concussion protocol system flawed for goaltenders

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Smith makes some good points.

The Arizona Coyotes goaltender was pulled by concussion spotters Monday night after he was in a third-period collision with Anaheim Ducks forward Jakob Silfverberg, and Smith remains unhappy about what went down, as he wasn't able to get back into the game until it was just about over.

"I think there's a lot of flaws in the system, especially with the goalie position, and it needs to get fixed," Smith said, according to azcentralsports' Bob McManaman. "What stops a fourth liner from going out and bumping a goalie? It's just a two-minute penalty to get your starting goalie out?"

Smith said unless changes are implemented, that exact scenario will happen in the playoffs. His goalie mask was knocked off Monday in the collision with Silfverberg, and he believes that played a part in his being called off the ice.

Smith brought up another good point: If the starting goalie is removed from the game after a collision, what happens if the backup is bumped, and he needs to be checked for a concussion? Who plays goal?

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly was contacted by McManaman on the issue, and said that while the league is always trying to improve the system, it will remain in place as is for the remainder of the season and the playoffs.

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