
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith of Kingston, Ontario recorded his 43rd career National Hockey League shutout on Thursday as the Oilers defeated the Nashville Predators 4-0 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Smith made 30 saves for his fifth shutout with the Oilers.
Smith made eight saves in the first period, 10 saves in the second period, and 12 saves in the third period. Matt Duchene of Hailburton, Ontario and Alexandre Carrier of Quebec City. Quebec each led the Predators with four shots on goal.
So far this season, Smith has a record of 12 wins, nine regulation losses, and two losses in extra time. He has one shutout, a goals against average of 3.04 and a save percentage of .907.
It was a memorable night for Leon Draisaitl. The veteran Oilers center recorded his seventh career hat trick and second versus the Predators. The first came on March 2, 2020 in an 8-3 Oilers win. Draisaitl in fact had four goals in that contest.
After a poor start to the season, Smith has been much better in between the pipes as of late. He has won his last five games. During that stretch he has given up only eight goals. Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft will have a choice to make regarding who the Oilers goaltender will be in the playoffs. Remember, Smith has struggled mightily in the last two playoffs with Edmonton.