Mike Smith is expected to be back in the Phoenix crease on Friday against Dallas. "It's gotten a lot better over the last few days, so I'm excited to get back in the lineup," Smith said referring to his lower-body injury after Thursday's optional practice. "I'm ready." He's excited to return to the lineup, especially now that he sees the team getting back to playing "Coyotes hockey." Smith was excellent last season under that system and he has plenty of time to rebound from his rough start to 2013.