TAMPA, Fla -- Flames goalie Mike Smith is as intense as they come during games, but he followed through on his pledge to have plenty of fun at the just-completed NHL All-Star Weekend.
Whether it was joking with fellow All-Stars and media, trying to score an empty-net goal, defiantly waving off an opponent's goal or figuring out how to spend his winnings from the Pacific Division's All-Star Game 3-on-3 tournament victory, Smith often wore a big smile on his bearded face as he thoroughly enjoyed his experience in the city he called home for nearly four full seasons.
MORE: NHL Power Rankings: Flames holding steady as Bruins rise, Devils fall
"It was unbelievable, a huge honor to be part of a weekend like this, especially back in a place where I have very fond memories and friends that are still very good friends in my life," Smith told Sporting News Canada following Sunday's game.
"It's all about having fun. That's the nice thing about this weekend, it's a lighter weekend, the games don't mean that much, not so much pressure and it's a lot of fun to put on a show for the fans."
As was the case last year in Los Angeles when he represented the Coyotes at the 2017 NHL All-star Game, Smith's big personality was on full display on and off the ice this past weekend. That included an attempt at becoming the first goalie to score in an actual All-Star Game after scoring through a tiny hole during the Four Line Challenge in 2017.
Late in the Pacific's 5-2 championship game win over the Atlantic, Smith skated out of the net and accepted a Brent Burns -- somewhat errant -- pass that he carried to right wing. Still within his own zone, Smith took aim at an empty net at the other end of the rink, but missed wide right.
"The ice is bad here," Smith joked.
"Jut go with the flow. Burnsie tried to give me the puck there, but he couldn't give a pass on the tape, so I panicked a little bit. Would've been nice to get one there, but such is life."
Added Flames teammate Johnny Gaudreau, "Looking at the big net, gonna be a long plane trip home (Sunday). He can rip the puck, too. He's got a harder shot than me, I think. I'm surprised he didn't score because he shoots them all the time in practice."
Smith also told the story of how he was trying to get some sleep in the locker room while the Atlantic and Metropolitan Division teams were playing Sunday, but sprung back to life when he saw Nikita Kucherov's highlight-reel third goal against Braden Holtby.
"I was lying on the floor, trying to take a nap, and then I looked at that and I couldn't sleep any more, nightmares," said a laughing Smith.
We don't know how you do it, but never change, @86Kucherov. #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/7VEeCb9Qve
— NHL (@NHL) January 28, 2018
For the record, Smith, Marc-Andre Fleury and their teammates were able to keep Kucherov at bay during the championship game. Following that win, Smith had a few extra dollars in his bank account, too.
What to do with that new-found Cash, Smitty?
"I have no idea. We'll find something nice to do with it, though."
Mike Smith would like to suggest a new breakout play. #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/r8OoguTsZS
— NHL (@NHL) January 29, 2018
Back in Calgary, the 35-year-old Smith is ready for the grueling stretch of 33 games in 68 days to close out the regular season. A true workhorse, Smith started 41 of the Flames first 49 games this season, thriving with a .926 save percentage that is fifth-best in the league. His 2.39 GAA is ninth overall in the NHL, and he is tied for ninth with 20 wins.
Most importantly, the Flames sit in third place in the Pacific Division as Smith tries to end a personal five-year playoff drought after a string of dismal seasons in Arizona.
"It's been rejuvenating, to say the least," Smith told Sporting News Canada this weekend. "I enjoyed my time in Arizona immensely, but I really wanted the chance to be on a good team, one that has the core group to win now, so it's been a really good transition to Calgary, so far."
MORE: Flames' Frolik set to return to line up Tuesday against Golden Knights
The stretch run begins with home games Tuesday and Thursday against the top two teams in the league -- first the Golden Knights (No. 2) and the Lightning (No. 1).
"We're refreshed and ready."