Mike Smith didn't have his best night in his return to lineup as the Coyotes lost 4-3 in a shootout to the Stars on Friday. Smith only faced 24 shots in his first start since Jan. 23. The Coyotes were a 1:34 from coming away with no points before Martin Hanzal tied it up to force overtime. There's no doubt Smith was a little rusty, so you can understand this performance. It'll be interesting to see if coach Dave Tippett turns to him tomorrow night when the Coyotes return home to play the Stars.

Look for Mike Smith (lower body) to start on Friday. The Phoenix Coyotes have already returned Chad Johnson to the minors, leaving the team with just two goaltenders on their roster, including Smith. Smith has been sidelined since Jan. 23.

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.

Coach Dave Tippett said Mike Smith could be on track to return this weekend from a lower-body injury. He practiced on Wednesday and Tippett commented that he would "be surprised if he's not ready by the weekend." Smith has already missed three games for the Coyotes and is set to sit out his fourth on Wednesday night. He is eligible to be taken off injured reserve on Friday.

Mike Smith skated on Sunday but is still day-to-day with a lower body injury. Smith was injured on Wednesday in a game against Columbus. Look for Jason LaBarbera to play if Smith is unable to go Monday.

Mike Smith (lower body) didn't participate in Thursday's 5-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks. The timing of Smith's injury is particularly unfortunate because he had three shutouts against San Jose last season. He sustained the ailment on Wednesday and is day-to-day. Coyotes coach Dave Tippett thinks the team caught the problem early and remains hopeful that this ailment won't linger for "too long."

Coach Dave Tippett doesn't believe that Mike Smith's injury is serious. "Basically we caught it very early," Tippett said. "Hopefully it's nothing that lingers on too long." Smith was forced to leave Wednesday's game early due to a lower-body injury. For the time being, Jason LaBarbera will hold the fort in his absence.

Mike Smith suffered a lower-body injury in the first period of the Coyotes' game against the Blue Jackets. The goaltender lasted just 11 minutes and made four saves before getting pulled. The Coyotes and their fans will hold their collective breath that it's not a long-term injury, as Smith is a key to any playoff aspirations. Jason LaBarbera replaced him in net.

Mike Smith will start in Wednesday's game against the Phoenix Coyotes. It remains to be seen who will get the nod on Thursday. Smith has a 5.05 GAA and .825 save percentage in two starts, so he'll be looking to rebound Wednesday night.

Mike Smith is not at all happy with his play after giving up 10 goals in the Coyotes first two games. The Coyotes have lost 6-4 and 4-3 and are starting the season off at 0-2. "Unacceptable goaltending both games," goalie Mike Smith said. "I know it's early in the season. It's a weird season, but there's no excuse for it. It's a letdown to the whole team. To score seven goals in two games, you should win both of those. Obviously we need to clean up our game in some areas, but it starts with me and right now it's not good enough." The Coyotes will try and turn their fortunes around on Wednesday when they host Columbus.