‘His chance suddenly vanished, Smith soon did likewise. After the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Smith instructed Buffalo trainer Frank Christie to open the gate to the players’ bench. Skating onto the ice as the opening faceoff loomed, Smith partook in a farewell twirl, waving theatrically toward Sabres owner Seymour Knox, who was sitting behind the bench. And with that, the goalie headed to the dressing room, removed his gear and announced his retirement. Frank Orr, the Star hockey writer, called it an “exit with flair.”’