Chicago Blackhawks fans booed Mike Smith repeatedly, but it he shook it off as the Phoenix Coyotes won 3-2 in OT to take a 2-1 series lead. Smith stopped 35 out of 37 shots for a big victory. It looks like it's going to be a challenging series for the Coyotes, but if he can get through this round, it's likely that he'll provide solid returns for people who drafted him in playoff pools.

Phoenix goalie Mike Smith will be a game-time decision tonight against Chicago. Smith absorbed a blow to the head courtesy Chicago's Andrew Shaw during Saturday's Game 2. There was nothing in the way of detail as far as his status coming from the Coyotes' camp leading up to today's update. With Phoenix splitting the first two games on home ice, Smith has a 2.57 GAA and .937 save percentage.

Mike Smith didn't participate in Monday's practice. Smith was hit in the head by Andrew Shaw during Game 2 on Saturday, so to see him miss a practice after that is concerning. Coyotes coach Dave Tippett hasn't provided specific details about Smith's status other than to say that he is being evaluated. We'll list him as day-to-day for now, but it is worth noting that Smith stayed in the game after Shaw's hit.

Mike Smith made 45 saves in a very busy night, but it wasn't enough as the Phoenix Coyotes lost Game 2 of their first-round series Saturday to the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 in overtime. The Coyotes were outshot 49-33 in this game, and for the most part, Smith was sensational. Smith was 5.5 seconds away from wrapping up the victory when Brent Seabrook's point shot found its way to the front of the net and ended up being deflected by Patrick Sharp to tie the game. Smith survived a scare in the second period when he collided helmet-on-helmet with Andrew Shaw. It appeared very likely that Jason LaBarbera would enter the game as Smith lay on the ice for several moments with trainers and the team doctor, but eventually -- and remarkably -- he collected himself and felt good enough to stay in the game. This was the second straight game in which Chicago tied it in the final seconds, onlyt his time Phoenix wasn't able to come up with the overtime win.

Mike Smith was superb in net in the Phoenix Coyotes' 3-2 overtime win over the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 of their first-round series. It was a bounce-back night for Smith. It looked like he would capture the win in regulation, but a frenzied late-game burst from the Blackhawks knotted the game up at two with 15 seconds remaining. He also allowed the game's first goal early in the first period, but obviously hung in there after that. Smith was brilliant throughout, setting aside 43 shots, 17 of which came in the third period. Dating back to the regular season, Smith hasn't lost in regulation since March 15, and he's currently on a five-game winning streak.

Mike Smith has been named the NHL's first star for the final week of the season. Smith allowed just two goals in three starts last week. He's been great all season, but he's been especially dominant lately. If his hot streak carries over into the playoffs, then the Chicago Blackhawks will have a very tough time getting past Phoenix.

Mike Smith couldn't be much hotter going into the playoffs. Smith has allowed just two goals in his last five starts. If that hot streak carries over into the postseason then the Chicago Blackhawks will be in a lot of trouble. Smith has a 38-18-10 record, 2.21 GAA, and .930 save percentage in 67 games this season.

Mike Smith turned aside 23 of 24 Minnesota shots as Phoenix defeated Minnesota 4-1 in both team's season finale Saturday night. With the victory, Smith's record improves to 38-18-10. I think it is safe to say that based on Smith's statistics this season, it was the Coyote team that was responsible for much of the success of Smith's predecessor Ilya Bryzgalov and not the other way around.

Mike Smith kicked out 31 of 32 shots in a 4-1 win Friday night. Smith has now won four straight games, giving him a 37-18-10 record this season. Phoenix now has a one-point lead in the Pacific Division going into the final day of the regular season.

Mike Smith stopped all 54 of the Columbus Blue Jackets shots, setting a new high for saves in a regulation shutout. Smith now has three straight goose eggs in a row, but he still would need to go a long way to break the franchise (and modern NHL) record streak set by Brian Boucher.