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The standings may say otherwise, but the Calgary Flames are playing no better than they were last NHL season when they won just once in their first four outings.

In fact, this year’s team is playing worse.

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Much worse.

The difference is Mike Smith.

Glen Gulutzan pointed out as much Wednesday night in a heated post-game dissection of his troops in which he said he was concerned about the team’s battle level, execution, breakouts and puck management, amongst other things.

The timing of his critique may have seemed odd given the team had just battled back to win a gritty game over the Los Angeles Kings in overtime, posting their third straight victory to open the year 3-1.

However, without Smith’s heroics this team could easily be 1-3 or 0-4.

Probably should be.

The number that should be troubling to all stakeholders is 40, which is the AVERAGE number of shots Smith has faced in the club’s four games.