Protect The Net... Better

If you're Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith, you are welcoming the upcoming holiday break with open arms. Smith has had himself a rough couple of nights as the Maple Leafs were credited with a goal in the shootout after Smith slid into the net while covering the puck with his pads. As you're probably aware, that's a good hockey goal as long as he wasn't pushed or forced into the net in some way. The goal stood, and Toronto won the game 2-1 in the shootout thanks in part to the awarded goal. Tonight? Smith was victimized once more in a rather unorthodox way to lose a game.

Let's set the scene. It's 1-1 between the visiting Phoenix Coyotes and the Buffalo Sabres. Mark Pysyk is coming into the zone as the Sabres mount a rush. And that's where I'll let the video take over. Here's what happened.

Once is a coincidence. Twice? It appears that Mike Smith is snake-bitten over this last week! There may not be another goaltender who has had two goals awarded against him like Mike Smith in the same month, let alone the same week! And the worst part? Both contributed in a big way to the Coyotes' opposition winning.

Three days off for the Coyotes will probably be nice for Smith. He can go home, escape the jokes being made about the "Butt Goal", celebrate the holidays with his family, and get ready for the San Jose Sharks on Friday. He did make one comment after the game, though, that deserves a little recognition.

Smith on effort: "It's an honest game and if you don't play how you're supposed to play... you get it jammed right up your butt."

— Joe Yerdon (@JoeYerdonPHT) December 24, 2013

Until next time, keep your butt out of the net!