Smith will start Thursday against the Panthers, Yahoo! Sports reports. Coach Dave Tippett continues to stand behind Smith, despite his atrocious numbers through six starts this season (4.29 GAA, .858 save percentage). Tippett put some of the blame on the team's sloppy defensive coverage, saying "we have to clean up some of the stuff in front on him." That said, Devan Dubnyk figures to make at least one start this weekend and could make things interesting with a strong performance.

Smith was torched for six goals on 33 shots and was pulled midway through the third period in Tuesday's loss to the Lightning. Unbelievably, this is the third time in six starts this season that Smith has allowed six goals, and he's now lost four of his six starts on the year. With the unexciting Devan Dubnyk his backup, Smith will have some more leash, but he needs to right the ship soon.

Smith led the Coyotes on the ice for pregame warmups and will receive the starting nod Tuesday against the Lightning, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports. Smith will bring an ugly 3.80 GAA and .867 save percentage into Tuesday's tilt, numbers that have actually noticed improvement over the last two games. That only illustrates the extent to which Smith struggled in his first three contests, but much to the Coyotes' delight, he seems to be growing gradually more comfortable in the crease with each successive outing.

Smith is expected to receive the start in goal Tuesday versus the Lightning, The Coyotes' decision to stick with Smith amid his season-long struggles has begun to pay modest dividends, as the netminder has stopped 50 of 53 shots over his last two starts, earning the win in his most recent outing. He still needs to string together several more strong performances to whittle down his GAA and improve his save percentage to a respectable level, and a match against a high-powered Lighting attack could provide a temporary roadblock.

Smith made 23 saves on 24 shots in Saturday's overtime win over Florida. A good rebound outing from Smith, who had lost his previous two games. His .867 save percentage and 3.80 GAA on the season are disappointing, but Smith is a workhorse, meaning he is likley to post solid win totals. The Yotes' No.1 goaltender should build upon his great performance Saturday as he moves forward.

Smith will start Saturday's game against the Panthers, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports. Smith has lost his last two starts, allowing eight goals in the process. He'll get a chance to get back on track Saturday against a rather anemic Panthers offense.

Smith turned in a much-improved outing Thursday against the Wild, turning away 27 of 29 shots, but the Coyotes were shut out for his third loss in four tries. After Smith allowed 16 goals in his first three starts of the year, this outing is a positive even if there's no win to go with it. He should have plenty of leash, too, with Devan Dubnyk the only other option for the Coyotes.

Smith will receive the start in goal Thursday against the Wild, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports. Coach Dave Tippett intends to stick with Smith as his starting goalie, despite his horrid 5.33 GAA and .822 save percentage through three games. Smith's numbers figure to improve as his sample size increases, but his ratios have been near the middle or back of the pack among the league's No. 1 goalies for two seasons running.

Smith continued to struggle Saturday, giving up six goals on 36 shots in a loss to the Blues. Smith has given up 16 goals in just three games this season, posting a 1-0-2 record in that span. Smith the clear starting goalie for the Desert Dogs and he should come around eventually, but yikes, that is not how you want to start the season.

Smith will be in the net Saturday against the Blues, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports. Smith has been whipped for 10 goals on just 54 shot attempts this season, but was fortunate to pick up the win in his most recent start Wednesday against Edmonton, when opposing goalie Ben Scrivens performed even worse than him. He could in for some trouble against a Blues squad that ranked as one of the strongest in the league top to bottom last season.