Phoenix Coyotes G Mike Smith posts 44-save shutout against Anaheim Ducks
Published on April 1, 2012 by admin · No CommentsMike Smith posted his second straight shutout with a 4-0 Phoenix Coyotes win over the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night.
It’s one more step for the ‘Yotes who are looking for a return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs under coach Dave Tippett.
Smith’s prowess in net has propelled a 6-1-3 run in his last 10 after hitting a bit of a snag to open the month with four straight losses. Prior to that, Smith won every game in January.
Mike Smith made 44 saves Saturday for his second straight shutout. He's 6-1-3 in his last 10 and is proving to be a great goaltender behind a depleted defensive lineup.
With the win, however, the ‘Yotes are in seventh in the Western Conference and second in the Pacific Division behind the Los Angeles Kings, who, like the Coyotes, have 91 points. Down to the wire, the Kings have a +15 goal differential while the ‘Yotes are just a +4.
But there’s three games to go, and anything can pan out until then. Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks are still in the waters at the No. 8 seed with 90 points. The Dallas Stars have 89 points in the ninth seed.
And Smith is doing pretty darn good considering that the Coyotes are fourth-worst team in the NHL with shots allowed per game at 31.4.
To put that in perspective, the St. Louis Blues’ impenetrable blue line is leading a league best of 26.5 shots allowed per game.
Defense is key for going deep in the playoffs, but if Smith can over succeed, there may be a chance to push beyond the first round.
Tags: Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes
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