Arizona Coyotes 3 Players Who Must Perform In 2015-16

Mike Smith

Oct 15, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) stretches prior to the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

A lot has been written (myself included) and discussed about Mike Smith’s horrible season last year. We all know he has the largest contract on the team signing a deal worth $5.667 million per year until 2018-19.

No one needs to tell him that he needs to get back to his career statistics of: GAA = 2.67, SV% = .912, and 27 shutouts. His numbers last season were not a glimpse of that: W = 14, L = 42, OTL = 5, GAA = 3.16, SV% = .904.

That sounds like doom and gloom, but Smitty actually showed some more ‘normal’ numbers at the IIHF, where he dominated. Then, towards the last part of the season last year, he picked his game up to end on a good note. His confidence was restored, and hopefully hiring his old mentor goalie coach, Jon Elkin will get his head screwed on correctly.

Every NHL expert, fan, or even casual fan, knows that if a goalie isn’t right, it really affects the team’s performance. I relate it to a MLB pitcher, who can dominate, or throw his team into the depths of depression with just one pitch in the wrong location, or speed.

Mike Smith HAS to perform this season, No ifs, ands, or buts about it! He has the skills, and with his mentor back in his life (and Sean Burke gone) he should improve. But, the Arizona Coyotes don’t just want him to improve, they want the Mike Smith from 2011-12, who dominated between the pipes, and dared shooters to score on him.

With the improved defense, and younger D-men getting more experience; especially with two excellent shot blockers in Gordon (80) and Michalek (160), Mike Smith’s play will elevate accordingly. And, if it doesn’t…well, I’m not sure of what will happen then?

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