Smith stopped 33 of 35 shots in Sunday's loss to San Jose.

EDGE Analysis

While Smith took the loss, he played exceptionally well and got no offensive support from his team. Since returning to the lineup, Smith has been superb, stopping 104 of 107 shots in three starts (.972 save percentage). Arizona is out of the playoff race, but it wouldn't hurt to get Smith in your lineup, as he's recovered from core muscle surgery and turning in some strong performances right now.

Smith will be protecting the crease for Sunday's game versus San Jose, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has been fantastic since returning from nearly three months off due to core muscle surgery. He's stopped 71 of the 72 shots he's faced in victories over Edmonton and San Jose. He was particularly strong Thursday, stopping 27 of 28 shots against a very good Sharks team. He'll look to repeat that stellar performance in Sunday's rematch.

Smith dominated the Sharks on Thursday, saving 27 of 28 in a 3-1 victory.

EDGE Analysis

That's two starts and two outstanding wins for Smith after an absence of more than three months due to a sports hernia. The Coyotes' playoff chances don't look good, but Smith's return seems to have given them a jolt. That said, Louis Domingue wasn't bad by any means in his absence, and the rookie seems likely to continue drawing his share of the starts.

Smith will get the start Thursday against the Sharks.

EDGE Analysis

Smith started the season strong, but then ran off a streak of four losses in a row before heading to the IR with a core muscle injury. In his return Tuesday night, he made 44 saves en route to his second shutout of the season. The Sharks have been very good of late, which makes this potentially a matchup to avoid or you may want to ride the hot hand after his strong return Tuesday.

Smith (lower body) put forth an impressive 44-save shutout against the Oilers in his return from injury Saturday. The Coyotes won the game 4-0.

EDGE Analysis

Well, that's one way to come back with a vengeance. Smith was out since Dec. 15, requiring surgery to repair a core muscle injury that has ultimately limited him to just 23 appearances this year. The Coyotes won't make the playoffs this year, but the former Canadian Olympian is a workhorse between the pipes, so those looking for a goaltending boost could do worse than trying their luck with Smith. He'll almost assuredly get the bulk of the remaining starts for Arizona and can steal a game once in awhile, so check your wire.

Smith (lower body) will be back in goal Saturday, taking shots from the Oilers in Edmonton, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's been a long time coming for Smith, as he required surgery to correct a core muscle injury. In his absence, the Coyotes occupied the net with various rookies, namely Louis Domingue, who's up to 14 wins on the season. We'd tread carefully with Smith in fantasy land since there's no telling how the 33-year-old veteran will hold up following the lengthy hiatus. He made his way into 22 games before going down, barely posting a .500 record and stumbling hard with a 3.06 GAA and .901 save percentage.

Smith was on the ice at Wednesday's practice, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

That's encouraging news for Smith, who has been out since Dec.15. His estimated return date from core muscle surgery is still listed as Thursday. The goaltender will likely need more practice before he is ready to reassume his position between the pipes for the Coyotes. Louis Domingue should continue to start in net until Smith is ready to go.

Smith (lower body) will likely travel with the Coyotes on the team's upcoming five-game road trip, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although Thursday's news is certainly encouraging, it doesn't necessarily indicate that Smith is nearing a return to game action, as the Coyotes are simply hoping that the 33-year-old netminder can begin practicing with his teammates during Arizona's five-game trip. Smith has been sidelined since Dec. 15, and will likely need to log a number of full practices to get back into playing shape before returning to the 'Yotes lineup. Expect an update on Smith's status following his first full workout with his teammates.

Smith (lower body) practiced with his team for approximately 20 minutes Thursday, but Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said the goalie is "still a long ways" from a return.

EDGE Analysis

After undergoing surgery to correct a core muscle injury Dec. 15, Smith was given an initial timetable of 8-to-10 weeks for his return. He's currently on the front end of that estimate, but Tippet's latest forecast for Smith sounds rather ominous despite the netminder joining his teammates at practice. Louis Domingue and Anders Lindback continue to work in goal with Smith ailing, but the 'Yotes have struggled mightily with a 2-7-1 record over the past 10 games.

Smith (lower body) was able to skate in pads for 15 minutes Tuesday, per Coyotes coach Dave Tippet, causing reporter Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic to conclude that the situation is "still status quo."

EDGE Analysis

Recall that Smith went under the knife on Dec. 15 to repair a core muscle injury, at which point he was given a recovery timetable of 8-to-10 weeks. Based on this latest report, it appears that nothing has changed with his rehab or expected return date. He's bound to return in mid-February assuming the timetable stays unchanged. Smith's ailment has opened the door for rookie netminder Louis Domingue to pick up significant minutes between the pipes, and he's done well based on a 6-2-2 record and 2.06 GAA in eight starts and 10 total showings.