Smitty’s SHUTOUT leads Coyotes past Canucks 1-0

All the haters have to take a night off. Mike Smith was back and battled through penalties, an injured leg, several Canucks bowling into him, and over 30 shots of high quality. This was the Mike Smith we’ve been spoiled by at times, selling his body out and being poised at the right times. Now this is a shutout by a goalie that many would compare to Greiss and his shutout of Calgary. A lot easier when having a lot more support though in a 6-0 drubbing. This was a tight defensive effort from Smitty to everyone who clawed in front of him in their own zone.

Jan 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) makes a save on Vancouver Canucks right wing Dale Weise (32) during the first period at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Just a average puck thrown toward the net was all the scoring needed as Antoine Vermette broke the deadlock. With a huge drought ending, being without a goal since his hat trick a long time ago. Ollie the Trolley got the other star most likely for his heroic effort on the penalty kill and logging big minutes.

Tensions were high as a Sedin was in the painted area and a puck crossed the line to tie it up, but that was quickly waved off and after much talk abd a telephone call from the great north, NO GOAL remained the call on the ice. It held up from there and as many would say, it wasn’t pretty but a win is a win.

Hanzal couldn’t stay out of the box but the defense did what it had not in the precious weeks, bailed out a teammate. Even the ending they PK took care of a 4 min double minor. Smith showed extreme enthusiasm pumping his fists and looking upwards like a weight had been lifted.

Moving forward this is a nice win over a talented Canucks team. But let’s be honest they have struggled as we have and coming off a 9-1 in Anaheim and back to back nights it really should be taken for what it is. A quality win over a team we should beat. Just nice to see Smitty and the defense rise up closer to form.

You get guys like Doan, Michalek, Ollie all back on the ice at the same time….U get leadership, heart, and accountability. Something that has been lacking. Coincidence Big Z is back and other guys limping off from blocking shots? U may of seen him down on the ice first practice back. U see Doan finishing checks and Ollie about to fight to stick up for his team when he is small. THAT SHIT RESONATES folks. I know some may not have played sports. It is and always will be a TEAM game. It can’t always be the QB, Goalie, clean up hitter carrying the team…those guys will also break. You are only as strong as your weakest link. We are now strong again and ready to fight our way back. More goals PLEASE! Bury that biscuit. Everybody HOWL!