Smith underwent surgery Tuesday morning to correct a core muscle injury that will consequently keep him out for 8-to-10 weeks, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

A core muscle injury is more commonly known as a sports hernia. Anders Lindback was working as the regular backup goalie for the Coyotes and presumably will assume the starting role now that Smith is out for an extended period of time. Meanwhile, It will be interesting to see if the Desert Dogs promote a goalie from the minors to back up Lindback. Of course, they could opt to trade for a backstop as well. The Ducks waived goalie Anton Khudobin and he cleared Tuesday, but the Coyotes apparently didn't put a claim in for his services.

Smith (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Craig Morgan of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Smith's stint backdated to Dec. 9, he will be eligible to return for the Coyotes' game against Columbus on Thursday, but it's uncertain if he will be ready by then. The 33-year-old has dropped four straight decisions, allowing a total of 14 goals on 104 shots in those games.

Smith (lower body) won't be in net Saturday against the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

Smith is still dealing with a lower-body ailment, and will miss a second-consecutive game Saturday as a result. Anders Lindback played well in Smith's absence Friday against Minnesota, surrendering one goal on 28 shots, and could receive the starting nod for Saturdy's matchup with Carolina as well. If the Yotes aren't comfortable with Lindback making back-to-back starts, Louis Domingue will protect Arizona's net in Saturday's tilt. Smith's next chance to return to action will come Thursday against the Blue Jackets.

Smith will miss Friday's game against Minnesota with a lower body injury, Dave Vest of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith's injury only adds to his latest struggles, having lost his last four contests, including being pulled after just one period against Detroit. During the netminder's winless streak, he has posted a 4.25 GAA, allowing 14 goals to get past him. Smith will be replaced between the pipes by back-up Anders Lindback.

Smith stopped 18 of 21 shots in Tuesday's loss to the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

That's the fourth straight loss for Smith, who is struggling after a stretch in which he won five of six games. The 33-year-old has been beaten for at least three goals in each of those four losses, dropping his save percentage to .901 on the season. His 10-9-1 record is okay, as he plays almost every game, but if you're looking for consistency, Smith has been too hit-and-miss.

Smith will be between the pipes in Tuesday's game against the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

Smith will look to get back on track after dropping his last three starts. The 33-year-old veteran hasn't had much success against the Blues in his career, compiling a 4-10-0 record while giving up an average of 3.51 goals per contest. The Blues have struggled a bit of late as well, dropping their last three games.

Smith is expected to start Tuesday against the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

While losing the past three games Smith has allowed 3.66 goals per game, however, he has already strung together two three-game win streaks this year. If he starts, he will look to bounce back against a formidable Blues team that currently ranks second in the central division.

Smith lost for the third start in a row Friday, allowing four goals on 27 shots as the Coyotes fell 5-2 to the Sabres. The fifth goal was an empty-netter.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has had a volatile couple of weeks, dropping three straight after stringing together three consecutive wins against Montreal, Anaheim and Calgary. Surprisingly, the 33-year-old is still above .500 with a 10-8-1 record to go with a disappointing .903 save percentage and brutal 3.06 GAA.

Smith will start Friday's contest in Buffalo, Joe Yerdon of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith will start one day after being yanked from Thursday's game with Detroit, in which he allowed three goals in the first period. After winning the World Championship with Canada this offseason, Smith expressed that he had regained his confidence and was looking forward to putting together a bounce-back season. It hasn't worked out that way for Smith to this point, having only slightly improved his 2014-15 stats (3.16 goals against average, .904 save percentage versus 3.00 goals against average, .905 save percentage). Smith should be rested after getting a two-period break on Thursday, and will take on a Buffalo team that scores only 2.28 goals per game.

Smith got the hook after one ugly period Thursday in Detroit, as he allowed 13 goals on 16 shots.

EDGE Analysis

to be fair, that's a lot of shots to face in one period, but Smith's fate was sealed after he gave up two goals in the final minute of the frame. After going on a three-game winning streak, he's fallen back, allowing seven goals over the course of four periods en route to road losses against the Wings and Preds. Anders Lindback made 26 saves on 28 shots in relief, but Smith could well be back between the pipes Friday in Buffalo after this abbreviated outing.