Oilers yank Smith after Blackhawks score 5 goals
Mike Smith's first start of the postseason was relatively short-lived.
The Edmonton Oilers pulled the veteran goaltender less than seven minutes into the second period after he surrendered five goals on 23 shots against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 of their play-in round contest on Saturday.
Smith gave up four of those markers on 16 shots in the opening frame.
Despite his shaky start, Smith remained in goal to start the second, and Leon Draisaitl scored to bring Edmonton within two a little more than four minutes into the middle stanza.
However, Chicago rookie Dominik Kubalik scored the Blackhawks' fifth marker about two minutes later. Mikko Koskinen then took over for Smith.
Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews tallied twice in the first, with his goals coming just over five minutes apart. Dylan Strome and Brandon Saad also lit the lamp for Chicago in the first 20 minutes.
HEADLINES
- 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship predictions: Podium, MVP, more
- 1 prospect from each NHL team to watch at 2026 world juniors
- McDavid, Draisaitl power surging Oilers past Flames
- Nylander's 4 points lift Maple Leafs over Penguins to snap 3-game skid
- Report: Leafs not contemplating firing Berube, Treliving