Smith is expected to start for the Coyotes in goal Thursday against the Predators, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports. Smith was the first goalie off the ice for morning skate and appears primed to reenter the crease after Devan Dubnyk was roasted for four goals on 24 shots in the Coyotes' most recent game Saturday before getting pulled. With a league-leading 13 losses to go along with a 3.27 GAA, only Smith's six-year, $34 million contract extension is affording him job security in his role as the team's No. 1 goalie.

Smith stopped eight of the nine shots he faced in relief of Devan Dubnyk Saturday against Boston. While Dubnyk will get credit for the loss, Smith hasn't been any better lately, dropping nine of his last ten starts. Smith remains the No.1 goalie in Phoenix, but with an awful .890 save percentage and 3.27 GAA on the season, Smith really isn't going to do much for you right now. Until the Coyotes dig their way out of the Western Conference basement, you should be looking at other goaltending options.

Smith was pulled in the second period Thursday against Los Angeles after allowing three goals on 20 shots. Smith has been very poor this year and tonight's performance will make his numbers worse. At some point the Coyotes will have to consider going with backup Devan Dubnyk for a while to see if he can give them a better chance to win.

Smith will draw the starting nod in goal Thursday versus the Kings, Craig Morgan of FOX Sports Arizona reports. It will mark the third straight turn for Smith, who coach Dave Tippett has continued to stand by as his No. 1 goalie despite his mostly lousy play this season. Smith didn't face the Kings in the the only previous matchup between the two teams earlier this season, but does own 11-4-1 record, 2.16 GAA and .928 save percentage over his career against them. Even so, given the extent to which Smith has struggled this season, it will be hard to trust him against a superior opponent.

Smith was stuck with four goals on just 23 shots in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to Calgary. He'd offered some hope with two solid outings in his prior three games, but Smith simply can't establish any consistency. He's been a fantasy nightmare this year and should keep losing starts to backup Devan Dubnyk.

Smith will be in the net Tuesday against the Flames, Todd Walsh of FOX Sports Arizona reports. Coach Dave Tippett will stick with Smith for both ends of the Coyotes' back-to-back after the netminder held the Oilers to two goals on 27 shots Monday night to capture the win. The victory snapped a six-game losing streak for Smith, who should see continued opportunities to work through his off-and-on struggles and hold off Devan Dubnyk for regular duties.

Smith allowed two goals on 27 shots Monday against Edmonton to pick up his first win in seven starts. Smith had some decent starts during the losing streak, but also had four starts in which he allowed more than three goals. His numbers on the season (3.19 goals against and 89.4% save percentage) are terrible, which is resulting in some pressure from backup Devan Dubnyk. But, the Coyotes are committed to Smith as their starter and perhaps finally getting a win will get him back on track.

Smith will start Monday's game against the Oilers, Todd Walsh of Fox Sports Arizona reports. Smith has lost his last seven starts for the struggling Coyotes, and currently leads the NHL with 11 regulation losses. The team in front of him hasn't been great, but he'll need to improve his .893 save percentage if he wants to continue to be a viable fantasy option in net.

Smith allowed four goals on 35 shots in Tuesday's loss to Arizona. With yet another loss, Smith falls to 0-6-1 in his last seven starts. Yikes. He's had a couple good starts mixed in there, but four-plus-goal outings like this have been far from unusual for Smith this year.

Smith is set to start Tuesday's game against the Avalanche, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports. Smith was the first goalie off the ice following Tuesday's morning skate, which puts him on track to start Tuesday. He will attempt to stop a six-game losing streak against a Colorado squad that is averaging just 2.43 goals per game on the season but has scored at least three times in five of its last seven games.