Phoenix coach Dave Tippett was a major factor in Mike Smith becoming a Phoenix Coyote. Tippett had Smith as a netminder when he was coaching in Dallas and Smith was a backup to Marty Turco for a year and a half before being dealt to Tampa Bay in the Brad Richards trade as he was the major part of the deal for the Lightning. "We started out the season pretty well. I think we answered some questions, the major one being who would be Bryzgalov's replacement. Smith came in and solidified that early for us," Tippett said. Smith was sensational during the regular season and has been even better in the playoffs. He will have to continue his outstanding play if the Coyotes hope to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time.