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Mike Smith Spears Andreas Athanaisou

PUBLICATION
Ashley
May 13, 2022  (8:55)
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Mike Smith has a spicy history of mixing it up with opposing players and goalies when he is upset about something. The physicality of this playoff series between his Edmonton Oilers and LA Kings has on synergized his energy.

After a stoppage of play and Andreas Athanaisou "accidentally on purpose" skating through the crease, Mike Smith's stick was stuck between the forward's legs. He was casually helped to the ice by Oilers' defenseman Duncan Keith, before Smith tried to retrieve his stick. Smith was unable to do so. In response, he pushed his stick in a sensitive spot for Athanasiou.

This action gathered quite a crowd, which has been the norm in this series thus far. Smith received a two minute slashing call. Some suggest he might receive a fine or a call from Department of Player Safety (DoPS), but that is a hard sell heading into a Game 7 (although DoPS was not shy about suspending Oilers' defenseman Darnell Nurse for Game 6 due to a headbutt).

Oilers went on to win Game 6 in LA 4-2, forcing a third must-watch Game 7 on Saturday night