Phoenix Coyotes' Mike Smith wants teammates to do more -NHL Playoffs Update
Being down 2-0 in a playoff series is never good when a team is looking to make a run for the Stanley Cup, but when a goalie is bombarded every night with 40 plus shots, that frustration leads to blaming the losses on his teammates.
Mike Smith has been outshot by nearly double in both matchups of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Western Conference Playoff Finals compared his counterpart in the Los Angeles Kings net, Jonathan Quick.
He came out after a 4-0 loss and battling 87 shots in two matchups to demand that his teammates do more in stopping the shooting onslaught and get some goals on Quick.
"We got outcompeted again ... out-battled," said Smith. "In the first period, we played a little better and competed a little harder. But it's not enough. They're a good hockey club. [In] saying that, we haven't played near the way we are capable of playing."
Phoenix players gave Los Angeles eight power play opportunities during Game 2 alone as Shane Doan was served a five minute major and 10 minute game misconduct for boarding while Martin Hanzal was also handed down the same.
It is never easy when some of the top players are in the penalty box, giving the opposition a 5-on-3 man advantage; it only makes matters even worse.
On the other hand, Jonathan Quick, barely faced anything as he easily blocked all 23 shots made by Phoenix on his net, while Los Angeles forwards continued to shoot puck after puck on Smith.
"If we expect to get 23 shots on a goalie of that calibre and not get anybody in front of the net (and have success), we've got another thing coming," Smith said of Quick. "He's too good a goalie to not get traffic, not get people in front. They are doing
down at my end, and pucks are finding their way in, hitting guys in front, and we have to penetrate down below their goal line, too."
Smith looks like he is obviously reaching his limits and unless the Phoenix defender are able to come out and play their positions properly, Coyotes could be having a tough time as Game 3 and 4 will be in Los Angeles.
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