ARIZONA COYOTES

Coyotes goalie Mike Smith talks about successful stretch

Mar 22, 2014, 12:34 AM | Updated: 12:34 am

Follow @theAdamGreen...

LISTEN: Coyotes' goaltender Mike Smith

Now this is the Mike Smith the Phoenix Coyotes both want and need.

The netminder had struggled for much of the 2013-14 season, but has been a different player since coming back from the Olympic break.

And because of that, the Coyotes are back in the playoff hunt, currently with a hold on the final wild card spot in the Western Conference.

“You get on a little bit of a roll,” Smith told Burns and Gambo on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Friday. “Wins are so important now; you want to contribute to the team’s success.

“I think it’s just nice to be playing well and helping the team win.”

Smith has been playing quite well, and in the month of March he is 7-3 with a goals against average of just 2.10. He’s won seven of his last nine starts, including the last three.

On the season, he is 27-20-10 with a GAA of 2.64.

Smith, who leads the NHL in saves, goals allowed and shots faced, attributes much of the recent success to his teammates.

“Early in the season we were scoring a lot of goals, but we were giving up a lot defensively,” he said. “I think as of late we’ve played a lot better in front of me, which has ultimately made my job a lot easier.”

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 goalie Mike Smith talks about successful stretch