Getty Images Mike Smith allowed 10 goals overall in the Phoenix Coyotes’ first two games of the season, but he didn’t leave Wednesday’s contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets because of a poor performance.
The big goalie won’t return to the game after suffering a lower-body injury in the first period, AZ Central’s Sarah McLellan reports. Backup Jason LaBarbera, 36, took over for the Coyotes’ workhorse in this game.
It’s unclear how serious Smith’s injury is just yet.
A troubling history
Many came into this season wondering if the 30-year-old netminder could show the consistency he did in a breakthrough 2011-12 campaign, but it’s easy to forget that injuries have arguably been his biggest hurdle.
His time with the Tampa Bay Lightning was marred by health problems. Smith managed seasons of 42, 41 and 22 games played with the Bolts before Phoenix’s career-high 67 contests last season.
Big stakes
There’s a lot on the line for the goalie and his team. Smith is in a contract year, so another strong season could strengthen the argument that he didn’t just have a lucky campaign. Meanwhile, as much magic as Dave Tippett has managed, it’s hard to imagine the Coyotes approaching last year’s surprising run with LaBarbera as the No.1 guy.
Phoenix is already 0-2-0 with this game against Columbus still in action, yet the team’s rocky start could get much uglier if this situation goes wrong.
-
Getty Images
It might be tough to gauge the right price for him.
-
Getty Images
That phrase is more fun than “turning the other cheek.”
-
Getty Images
Just ask Bryan Bickell.
-
Getty Images
Did Chicago just flip the switch?
-
Getty Images
He’s clearly embracing the role of underdog.
-
Report: Canucks ask Leafs permission to interview Eakins for head coaching gig
May 25, 2013, 10:29 PM EDT
He’s been the head coach of AHL Toronto since 2009.
-
Getty Images
Detroit’s goalie made some especially challenging ones.
-
Getty Images
Finally.
-
Getty Images
At least he’s still rich and handsome.
-
Getty Images
He also thinks the Rangers faced an identity crisis.
-
Getty Images
No other defenseman has four goals in first five playoff games.
-
Getty Images
Jarome Iginla’s name might come up.
-
Getty Images
Torey Krug might eat for free in Boston.
-
Getty Images
He took a puck and maybe a stick to the kisser.
-
Getty Images
Impressive flash of the glove by Hank.
-
Getty Images
New York Rangers forward was stirring the pot for a while.
-
Getty Images
Looks like Dougie Hamilton is the odd man out.
-
Getty Images
He’s been out with a broken hand.
-
Getty Images
He avoided a fight in Game 4.
-
Getty Images
Desperation calls for tinkering.