Last night, in the waning minutes of the Nashville Predators victory over Toronto, Craig Smith pulled off a feat that you rarely see in the NHL. That’s right, Craig Smith missed an easy goal on an empty net after Toronto had pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. Smith’s shot, a thing of beauty really, was launched over the goal and into the protective netting above the glass. Fans began to celebrate, and the goal horns sounded, as what seemed to be a sure goal turned into a complete fail. Smith hung his head in shame afterwards, and rightfully so. The idea of roofing the puck on an empty net from the top of the goal crease is pretty asinine, and he deserved to miss.
Despite his missed opportunity, Craig Smith is having a great start to his rookie campaign with the Predators. The 98th overall draft pick (4th round) from 2009 has 14 points on 7 goals and 7 assists this season. He currently shares the team lead in goals with Patric Hornqvist, and in points with David Legwand.
