Did I miss the part in his contract when he has to start every back-to-back....
I get what you are saying, b/c I don't think that every back-to-back is necessary to roll the same goalie out there.
But... Smith is seeing the puck well and he is feeling good. He is one of those goalies where the more you play him, the more comfortable he gets back there. Yesterday's game was better than average. Z made the mistake on the first goal. Second goal, he was looking wrong side around screen and Kadri put up a great shot. 3rd goal was 6-on-4 with Toronto pulling their goalie, and Martinook/PK was gassed. Leafs were able to walk in and take a good shot from closer range than if we were fresh. Yeah, he didn't have his stick, but the PK being tired created a situation where he loses his stick b/c he has to do something to get the puck out of the low slot.
I just want to see him bounce back from the last game against the Bruins. Well, him and the entire team...