Mike Smith had so many memorable saves in the Flames Game 1 Christian Wood Jersey shutout of the Avalanche, he could change his name to Mariano Rivera. Playing in his first playoff game in seven years (May 22, 2012, with the Arizona Coyotes), Smith turned away all 26 Colorado Avalanche shots en route to a 4-0 victory. "Oh, unbelievable," Smith said when asked postgame by Sportsnet's Ryan Leslie about how the win felt."It's been a while since I've played a playoff game. I didn't quite remember what it was like but it didn't take long to figure it out. What a feeling. A big win here at home. What a way to start the series." Mike Smith and Smitty are trending in and for good reason ... | | z - Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) Mike Smith is the 12th goaltender in NHL history to go at least 2,500 days between playoff games and first since Curtis McElhinney in 2018 (3,276 days). NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) Mike Smith became the first goaltender in franchise history to record a shutout in a series-opening game. NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) Not only was Smith effective in net, but he also lent his stick in moral support. Mike Smith is the supportive friend we all need in our lives. NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) While he was it, Smith a sisted on Calgary's final goal, an empty-netter by Matthew Tkachuk with 2:45 remaining in the third period. Smith became the 18th goalie all time to tally an a sist and a shutout in a playoff game. Predators netminder Pekka Rinne was the last goalie to do it (April 16, 2017, vs. the Chicago Blackhawks), while Martin Brodeur did it three times. Add an a sist for Mike Smith on 's empty net goal. NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) Smith's effort also elicited a "Smitty! Smitty!" chant from the hometown fans, something the 37-year-old veteran appreciated. "Honestly, I've never heard anything like that before in my career," he said. "It gives you confidence." Smith should expect to hear another flurry of cheers if he can keep the Avalanche off the scoreboard when the series resumes Saturday night. Eric Bledsoe Jersey