According to reports from various sources, including Naoko Funayama of NESN, Mike Smith led the Tampa Bay Lightning out in warm-ups for tonight’s Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Boston Bruins, which is tied at two games apiece. This indicates that Smith may very well be the starting goaltender for Tampa tonight, replacing starter Dwayne Roloson. Smith has been called in relief to replace Roloson twice in this series, and has not given up a goal. It could just be mind games, however.
Lightning Vs. Bruins, Game 5: Mike Smith May Start For Tampa Bay
Meanwhile, Steve Downie is on the ice for Tampa Bay after taking a hit to the head in Game 4. His status is still up in the air, but being on the ice is a good sign. The Bruins have dressed 23 skaters in warm-ups and will need to make three scratches, one of whom may or may not be Shawn Thornton.
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