Smith is expected to start for the Coyotes in goal Thursday against the Predators, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports. Smith was the first goalie off the ice for morning skate and appears primed to reenter the crease after Devan Dubnyk was roasted for four goals on 24 shots in the Coyotes' most recent game Saturday before getting pulled. With a league-leading 13 losses to go along with a 3.27 GAA, only Smith's six-year, $34 million contract extension is affording him job security in his role as the team's No. 1 goalie.