Coyotes still have no update on Smith's lower-body injury.
Smith will miss his sixth straight game tonight, but the Coyotes are likely to have more information before next week's road-trip (Tuesday-Thursday).
Ad
Edmonton Oilers News
Murray (knee) will return to the Blue Jackets lineup on Friday.
Murray has been out since March 3rd after undergoing knee surgery. Nick Schultz will likely come out of the lineup with Murray back in. He has 20 points (3G / 17A) in 61 games this season.
Kane has been accused of an assault that allegedly occurred in Vancouver last summer.
A Vancouver-area resident, is seeking unspecified financial damages in a statement of claim filed last week in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. He alleges he was jumped by Kane one evening last August as he was walking home from a bar where he was working in promotions. He claims he suffered a concussion and numerous injuries to his head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, ribs and leg that are causing ongoing headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and insomnia as a result.
Murray (knee) has ramped-up on-ice activity this week, will travel to Philadelphia.
Murray will not play vs. the Flyers, but will travel with the team in order to take part in practice. Murray is now now 3 plus-weeks removed from surgery that was expected cost him 4-6 weeks. Murray is not quite at day-to-day status, but is definitely improving and could return for the final few games of the regular season.
Demers will miss Saturday’s game in Colorado due to illness, according to Todd McLellan.
Demers remained at the team hotel on Saturday afternoon, as the Sharks will try and isolate him from the rest of the group to try and avoid a bug going through the team with just six games remaining. Demers will fly back to San Jose with the Sharks after the Avalanche game. In 69 games, Demers has four goals and 28 assists for 32 points. He is the team’s leading scorer among defensemen. Scott Hannan, who was scratched against the Jets on Thursday, will return to the lineup.
Smith (lower-body) will be re-evaluated next week.
Smith has been doing off-ice workouts, but plans to skate next week. The Coyotes are happy with how he has come along, and hope that they will get good news when he is re-evaluated next week. Smith could be back before the regular season is done, but there is no guarantee at this point.
Smith will see team orthopaedic surgeon, Gary Waslewski, late this afternoon. Update will come later today or Saturday morning.
Stay tuned.
Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro reported Tuesday that Smith has a leg strain and will miss two weeks, but both GM Don Maloney and coach Dave Tippett said the details of the injury and a timeline for Smith's return won't be determined until doctors in Phoenix see Smith and consult with the team.
In the meantime, Thomas Greiss will continue to start.
Smith is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
The Coyotes announced this afternoon that Smith's injury is not as serious as originally feared and that he might just be dealing with a minor strain. They are encouraged with how well he is walking today and are hoping that he will only miss the rest of the current road-trip (2 games) at most. He will continue to be evaluated and we will pass on any further details.
Smith left Monday night's game vs. the Rangers after an incident in which New York's Derick Brassard landed awkwardly on top of Smith.
Smith grabbed for his right leg, and appeared to be in pain. He left the game and was helped off the ice and appeared to be able put only minor pressure on his leg as he stepped off the ice. Smith's leg appeared to be twisted and with only 10 games left in the Coyotes season, Smith's season appears in jeopardy. He will be re-evaluated on Tuesday, but Thomas Greiss will start Tuesday.
Goalie Start
Smith will make his 12th consecutive start tonight.
Smith allowed three goals on 27 shots in a loss to the Bruins on Saturday. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Smith, but hey, no one can beat the Bruins right now so don't feel bad Mike. Smith has gone 7-4-0 with a 2.18 GAA and .924 SV% in March.
Goalie Start
Smith starts on his 32nd birthday.
Smith stopped 22 of 23 shots in a win over the Panthers on Thursday. He has won his last three straight starts with a 2.00 GAA and .935 SV%. Smith enters play vs. the Bruins tonight with a 7-3-0 record in March. He has been great as of late, but no one has been as tough of an opponent as the Bruins.
Goalie Start
Smith is expected to make his 11th consecutive start, on his 32nd birthday no less.
Smith stopped 22 of 23 shots in a win over the Panthers on Thursday. He has won his last three straight starts with a 2.00 GAA and .935 SV%. Smith enters play vs. the Bruins tonight with a 7-3-0 record in March. He has been great as of late, but no one has been as tough of an opponent as the Bruins.
Goalie Start
No surprise, Smith will be in goal for the Coyotes.
Smith allowed three goals on 39 shots in a win over the Kings on Monday. He has won four of his last five starts while allowing 11 goals on 153 shots (.928 SV%). Smith has gone 6-3-0 with a 2.22 GAA and .925 SV% in March and makes for a strong start tonight against the Panthers.
Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett has made it clear he intends to rely on Smith the rest of the way, but "he's gotta be physically ready to ride," he said.
The Coyotes have 13 games remaining including three back-to-back sets, and it sounds like if Smith is up for it, Tippett plans on starting him in all 13 contests. The Coyotes currently hold a two point advantage over the Stars for the final Wild Card spot, but Dallas also has two games in hand.
Goalie Start
Smith leads the Coyotes onto the ice; he starts vs. Quick and the Kings.
Smith allowed two goals on 31 shots in a win over the Flames on Saturday. Smith did not take part in the morning skate this morning because he was reportedly feeling a little off, but he will still be between the pipes vs L.A tonight. Smith has gone 5-3-0 with a 2.12 GAA and .925 SV% in March.
Goalie Start
Smith was the first goalie off of the ice at the Coyotes' morning skate.
Smith allowed two goals on 20 shots in a loss to the Bruins on Thursday. Smith is in line to start his his eighth straight game tonight vs. Calgary. He is 4-3-0 with a 2.14 GAA and .923 SV% in his previous seven games. He has gone 1-1-0 in two starts vs. the Flames this season.
Goalie Start
Smith starts for the Coyotes.
Smith stopped 31 of 32 shots in a 3-1 win over the Panthers on Tuesday. Smith has now won four of his last five starts while posting a 1.77 GAA and .938 SV%. Smith is playing better now than he has at any other point in the season. He will need to keep that hotstreak going if the 'Yotes are going to get a win in Boston tonight. The B's have won six in a row.
Goalie Start
Smith will start on back-to-back nights.
Smith allowed three goals on 31 shots in a 4-3 shootout win over the Lightning on Monday. Smith reportedly felt good after the contest and earned himself the start on back-to-back nights. He draws another good matchup tonight at the BB&T Center where he will take on the 24-33-7 Panthers.
Goalie Start
Smith to start in goal for Phoenix.
Smith surrendered three goals on 33 shots in a loss to the Capitals on Saturday. Smith has had his moments this season, but has struggled to find any consistency. Tonight, he gets the call in Tampa Bay. Smith has struggled on the road having posted a 7-10-7 record with a 2.94 GAA and .912 SV%.
Ad