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With Smith hurt, Phoenix to recall ’10 first-rounder Visentin

Phoenix Coyotes v Vancouver Canucks

VANCOUVER, BC - JANUARY 26: Goaltender Mike Smith #41 of the Phoenix Coyotes skates during warm-up prior to facing the Vancouver Canucks before their NHL game at Rogers Arena on January 26, 2014 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Ben Nelms/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike Smith

Ben Nelms

With three games in the next five nights, the Phoenix Coyotes are primed to call up Mark Visentin from AHL Portland as a replacement for injured goalie Mike Smith.

Smith, who suffered a lower-body injury that forced him from Monday’s 4-3 OT loss to the Rangers, won’t play in tonight’s game versus Pittsburgh and there’s no word on his availability for Thursday’s game in New Jersey.

Here’s the latest on his health, from Fox Sports Arizona’s Craig Morgan:

I’m told that Mike Smith’s injury is not as bad as was originally appeared. The team is thinking now that it just may be a mild sprain.

— Craig Morgan (@cmorganfoxaz) March 25, 2014


The team & Drs. were surprised how well Mike Smith was walking this morning. Still no timetable on return. Will probably miss rest of trip.

— Craig Morgan (@cmorganfoxaz) March 25, 2014

Phoenix cannot afford to lose Smith for any significant length of time. Monday’s game in New York was his 12th consecutive start, and he’s been very good since winning gold with Team Canada at the Winter Olympics -- Smith went 7-4 in March prior to the Rangers game, posting a .924 save percentage while allowing three goals or fewer in 10 of 11 contests.

As for Visentin, the 21-year-old was Phoenix’s first-round selection (27th overall) at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He’s 14-19-5 with the Pirates this season, with a .901 save percentage and 3.30 GAA. He’ll back up Thomas Greiss for the time being.