The Battle of Alberta is heating up and all players are ready for the fight except Edmonton Oilers starting goaltender Mike Smith..As I predicted a few days ago, Smith couldn't handle the Flames' heat and the loudest fans in the NHL. Smith was pulled from Game 1 vs Calgary Wednesday night after letting in three goals in six minutes on just 10 shots in the first period..The first 51 seconds were a nightmare for the veteran netminder, it only took 26 seconds into the contest for Elias Lindholm to get the Flames on the board. Smith seemed a bit shaken from Calgary's quick start and then he got beat again by Andrew Mangiapane 25 seconds later..It would only take the Flames five more minutes to end Smith’s Battle of Alberta debut as he was beaten by Brett Ritchie. Mikko Koskinen, who hasn’t seen postseason action yet, quickly was signaled by coach Jay Woodcroft to replace Smith..An embarrassing .700 save percentage for the Oilers goaltender who was quickly roasted on Twitter by fans for the poor performance..One user tweeted: “Let’s check in on Mike Smith” posting a picture of the netminder in an iconic daze sitting on the Oilers bench shortly after getting the yank. The sting of the Flames' heat was just hitting Smith realizing he choked..Oilers fans are now hopeful they can count on Smith to deliver something approaching average goaltending in Game 2..The Oilers did bounce back in Game 1 for a little bit, cutting a four-goal lead by Calgary twice. A true nailbiter for watching Flames fans..Matthew Tkachuk would prove to be the difference in the game when he scored a hat trick in the Flames' 9-6 win over the Oilers to seal the deal..A humble Tkachuk downplayed the win saying the Flames will be better in Game 2..“I thought we had a great start,” Tkachuck said. “The second period really got away from us, and I think once we got in the third we played a little bit better. We got to be better with leads, we had a four-goal lead twice, that should be enough in the playoffs. We'll be better next game.”.However, smiling proud dad Keith Tkachuk held onto his hat for his son's hat trick as brother Brady tried to swipe it for the toss..Smith, on the other hand, hid behind his low-tipped bib as the Oilers lost Game 1. Cue angry Oilers fans' comments..My prediction for Friday’s game is Evander Kane will have to answer for his big mouth. As Flames' tough guy Milan Lucic will look to see if Kane can back up what he's barking..And of course, the Flames will win on Friday as the Battle of Alberta will continue from the Saddledome and the Red Mile.
