Mike Smith’s clearing attempt hits Brandon Sutter’s ‘behind’ for accidental goal (Video)

This whole tanking thing is starting to get really ridiculous. Is Arizona goaltender Mike Smith in on the Coyotes’ unstated desire to grab Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel with one of the top two picks in the upcoming draft? The way he has played of late, probably not. Even in this game he stopped 34 of 36 Penguins shots on goal. 

But it sure looked like he was on the take with this clearing attempt turned goal against Pittsburgh.

Check out the video:

They teach you in mites … do not clear the puck up the middle of the ice. Ever. Granted NHL players do it all the time, but that was a poor move by Smith.

Said Smith to the Arizona Republic’s Sarah McLellan via Twitter:

“My thought process was to ice the puck but probably a wrong time of the game. Bad decision-making, and it cost us a goal.”

“It ended up being pretty important … and that one’s on me.”

Arizona had to do something to keep pace with the tankers. Buffalo (47 points) had already lost, and the Coyotes (50 points) held a 1-0 lead. Until Smith’s gaffe. Daniel Winnik also scored in the second period to put Pittsburgh ahead 2-1. The Penguins won 3-1 … rejoice Glendale. 

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper

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