Goaltender Mike Smith Takes “Off-Record” Shot at Fickle Oilers Fans

Prior to a media avail where goaltender Mike Smith was set to talk about the team’s big win over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, the veteran got a few laughs at the Oilers fan’s expense. While five-year-old cancer fighter Ben Stelter was soaking in the adulation from fans outside the building, Smith cheered on the little guy but also took a shot at fickle Oilers fans in the process.

Related: Oilers Tried to Trade Josh Archibald, Holland Unwilling to Add Sweetener

Saying “That’s it Benny, take it all in bud, they can turn on you in a hurry,” Smith got some chuckles from the media on hand who know that fans haven’t always been kind to Smith while a member of the Oilers. When he’s playing well, everyone loves the goalie. When he’s not, he’s excuse No. 1 as to why this team isn’t successful and often the first target when fans need a place to lay blame.

Smith then said, “That’s off the record”, perhaps realizing that was a comment maybe he shouldn’t have made or, at the very least, kept to himself knowing it might blow back in his face.

"Take it all in bud, they can turn on you in a hurry" – Mike Smith ? pic.twitter.com/fBE9mjqKVA

— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) March 25, 2022

While Smith probably didn’t mean any harm and he was having fun with Ben, who was tickled pink to be there, the reaction from fans on Friday hasn’t been all that positive. Some are defending Smith, suggesting he’s in the right to take a shot at the fan base who so often quickly turns on him. Others feel as though he’s still not the answer in net for the Oilers and this won’t endear him to many who want the position to be solid heading into the playoffs.

As for how Smith feels about his own game, he noted, “I feel like I’m getting better and better, to be honest. I felt like tonight I was pretty solid.” He did acknowledge that he didn’t like either goal that was scored on him because he felt he got out of position a bit, but he noted, “I felt like my game was letting more pucks come to me tonight… I feel more comfortable every game I’ve been in there.” He added that he wants to be playing his best hockey at this time of the season and that things are trending in the right direction.

Smith Wasn’t Trying to Steal Ben’s Thunder

Some fans have mistakenly suggested Smith used an opportunity to do right by a five-year-old battling cancer and instead made the moment about him. Personally, I don’t believe he was trying to do that. Smith truly was happy to see Ben enjoying the moment.

When asked about the young man, Smith said, “it always put things into perspective when you see a little guy like that, what he’s been through, to get on the ice like that to get the Rogers Place, bopping right off the faceoff. Obviously an inspiration to us all and happy we got a big win for him.”

Next: Canadiens Have Held Conversations With Jeff Petry About His Future