Game Day: Interview with Tampa Bay Lightning Goalie Mike Smith

Every netminder has their own way to prepare for a game, their own habits and superstitions that dominate the hours leading up to the puck drop. In the coming weeks, InGoal Magazine will explore some of these rituals with the NHL goaltenders that swear by them. Today, we begin with Mike Smith of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“Obviously when you’re starting, you’re not in the pre-game skate as long, though you might want to get to the skate earlier and feel the puck and feel good about your game and the match-up that night.

For me, when I’m not playing, I have found I have to work just as hard as if I were starting. I have to keep the edge. I’ll try to get something out of the time on the ice, at least.

After the skate, if I’m not starting I might skip my pre-game nap, but most of the time I do like my sleep, so I usually lay down for a couple of hours. I’ll have lunch before my nap. Mainly, I like to have the same lunch. On the road, it feels like the same crap every day – we get enough chicken and pasta on the road. If it’s my preference, I like a nice chicken parm with a side of penne, a little red sauce, some parmasan cheese and maybe a little tomato mozzarella salad. Lately I’ve been getting that from the same restaurant here in Tampa.

I’m pretty loose before a game. I have no superstitions which I get wrapped up in. I’m a pretty easy going guy. I just come to the rink and enjoy being there and when game time comes, I’m ready to go.”

Lonnie Herman is a writer for Tampabaylightning.com and contributes to several other hockey publications.