ARIZONA COYOTES

Coyotes look to Jason LaBarbera to snap skid

Mar 25, 2013, 10:56 PM | Updated: 11:00 pm

The Phoenix Coyotes will try to snap a five-game winless streak when they take on the Detroit Red Wings Monday night. Backup goalie Jason LaBarbera will get the start as Mike Smith continues to recover from an injury he suffered during Thursday night’s loss to Vancouver at Jobing.com Arena.

The injury to Smith occurred when he was charged and hit in the head behind the net by the Canucks’ Alex Edler in the second period. Earlier in the game, Smith also had a collision with Daniel Sedin.

Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said this is a chance for LaBarbera to step up in an important situation.

“He’s (LaBarbera) looked very good in practice the last little bit and the games he’s been in here lately, he’s looked solid. We need him to play very well,” said Tippett after morning skate. “That’s your number two’s role of the team. He’s waited patiently for his time to play and this is it. It’s very big games for us so I’m sure he’s excited to play.”

Tippett also said Smith is still day-to-day and has not participated much since Thursday.

The Coyotes recalled goalie Chad Johnson from the Portland Pirates of the AHL on Saturday. He made two starts for the ‘Yotes this season and recorded his first NHL shutout on January 28th against Nashville, where he recorded 21 saves. He’ll serve as LaBarbera’s backup for the game Monday night.

After Monday’s game, the Coyotes hit the road for an important week with three games in four nights against Minnesota, Nashville and San Jose.

Arizona Coyotes

Matias Maccelli #63 of the Arizona Coyotes skates with the puck during an NHL game at Mullett Arena...

Associated Press

Josh Doan nets twice in NHL debut, Coyotes score 4 goals in 3rd and beat Blue Jackets

Josh Doan had two goals including the go-ahead score in his first NHL game and the Arizona Coyotes beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-2.

2 days ago

ASU hockey player Josh Doan and father Shane Doan wave to fans before the ceremonial first puck to ...

David Veenstra

Arizona Coyotes forward Josh Doan scores twice in NHL debut

Coyotes forward Josh Doan scored twice in his NHL debut on Tuesday. Doan had goals in the second and third period against Columbus. 

2 days ago

Josh Doan...

Damon Allred

Arizona Coyotes recall forward Josh Doan from Tucson Roadrunners

The Arizona Coyotes recalled former second-round pick Josh Doan, son of former captain Shane Doan, from the Tucson Roadrunners.

3 days ago

Miro Heiskanen #4 of the Dallas Stars skates with the puck while being defended by Alex Kerfoot #15...

Associated Press

Arizona Coyotes fall to Dallas Stars for 2nd time in last 3 games

Miro Heiskanen broke a tie with 5:28 left and the Stars won their fourth consecutive game, beating the Coyotes on Sunday night.

4 days ago

Dylan Guenther...

Associated Press

Coyotes’ Dylan Guenther scores overtime game-winner vs. Kraken

Dylan Guenther scored in overtime to give the Arizona Coyotes a win over Seattle on Friday night.

6 days ago

Arizona Coyotes center Liam O'Brien...

Associated Press

Coyotes’ struggles in Dallas continue despite Clayton Keller stacking goals

The Dallas Stars extended their home points streak against the Coyotes to 19 games with a victory on Wednesday night.

8 days ago

Coyotes look to Jason LaBarbera to snap skid