from the CP at CBC,

A shot at a Stanley Cup late in an NHL career is something to savour.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith is a 39-year-old veteran aspiring to hoist the Cup before the end of his career.

He's aware of the chance in front of him when the Oilers open the post-season Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets.

Smith isn't the oldest goaltender in this year's NHL playoffs.

Craig Anderson, who turns 40 on Friday, backstopped the Washington Capitals to a 1-1 record to open their series against the Boston Bruins.

Smith has played 16 NHL seasons and started 618 games. He has made 23 career playoff starts.

"I remember as 24-year-old being in my first year in the league and guys telling me 'it goes by quick.' You're thinking 'OK, old goat. I've got a lot of time left,"' Smith said recently.

"Now I'm the old goat and I'm trying to say the same things to these young players.

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