Mike Smith of the Tampa Bay Lightning got into it a little bit last night in New York with forward Aaron Voros. Something must have been said or done that I’m not aware of, because Smith laid into Voros quite a bit:

I wonder if it has anything to do with Voros lighting up netminders all year long so far (5 goals in the first 8 games of the year).

I have no idea why a Lightning player didn’t step in and fight Voros, you shouldn’t let your goalie go at it with a player like that, especially an agitator like Voros who you know is going to come right back at him. He could have easily broken a hand, or been kicked out of the game. That’s not something you want to happen to your star netminder.

Another interesting thing is how the linesmen broke it up right away. Both of them clearly wanted to fight, and there was no advantage to either side yet (although Smith did land a beauty uppercut, as you probably saw). Let them go at it some more! I understand you’re looking out for their safety, but they should have let it go on until one of them had the clear advantage.

Some entertaining stuff nevertheless.

EDIT: Now Rangers coach Tom Renney wants Smith suspended. Hah, nice try. Almost as nice a try as trying to get compensation for prospect Alexei Cherepanov’s death. Disgusting.

Tags: aaron voros, fight, goalie, mike smith, new york rangers, tampa bay lightning