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Arizona Coyotes Mike Smith Superb Through Two Starts

By Adam Pierce

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Arizona Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith is showing everyone that last year should be forgotten with a stellar performance against the Kings and Penguins to start the season.

Oct 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith makes a save in the third period on a shot by Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby during the home opener at Gila River Arena. The Coyotes defeated the Penguins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Not a lot of people predicted that the Arizona Coyotes would be 2-0-0 at the start of the 2015-2016 NHL season. It’s difficult opening up the new season on the road, and the Coyotes did it in enemy territory against the Los Angeles Kings. To make matters worse, the Coyotes would then play a game the following day against the Pittsburgh Penguins and their star-studded lineup. It’s safe to say that everyone just wanted the Arizona Coyotes to survive through Friday and Saturday. However, they didn’t only survive…they dominated.

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Yes, it is very early on in the season, but Arizona Coyotes fans can’t help but to be excited about their team. After finishing last season with 24-50-8 a record, a 2-0-0 start is a huge turn-around for the Desert Dogs. The team is simply better than they were a year ago, and everything is clicking out there on the ice. It’s only a matter of time until we see if the Arizona Coyotes can ride this momentum, and become playoff contenders this spring.

One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind this summer was Arizona’s goaltending situation. Mike Smith had an awful season last year, to say the least. With a record of 14-42-5, a save percentage of .904, and a goals against average of 3.16; he was not where he needed to be. Mike Smith was determined to leave those numbers behind him, and start fresh for the 2015-2016 NHL season.

As mentioned above, the Arizona Coyotes had a tough opening schedule to start the new season. The Los Angeles Kings were heavily favored in this match-up and no one gave Arizona a chance. The Coyotes set the tempo early, and fired on all cylinders. No one had a better game in that building than Mike Smith.

Mike Smith showed off all the hard work he put in this summer. He looked phenomenal in the crease stopping 40 of the 41 shots that were sent his way. Smith was aware and alert all game long to help secure a 4-1 victory for the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith finished as the game’s first star with his .976 save percentage.

Highlights from Arizona Coyotes at Los Angeles Kings:

With the first game of the new season in the books, the Arizona Coyotes wanted to ride the momentum from Los Angeles and take it with them back to Gila River Arena. The rookies played well, and Mike Smith was on his game. The Arizona Coyotes had the difficult task of starting the season with two back-to-back games. Sidney Crosby, Phil Kessel, and the rest of the Pittsburgh Penguins were waiting for them back in Glendale.

The Arizona Coyotes came into Gila River Arena to a full house. The Pack showed up in full force to support the hometown heroes last night. The environment was electric as howls were heard from all ends of Gila River Arena. The season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins was a sellout with 17,125 fans in attendance.

Mike Smith was looking to build upon his amazing performance from the previous night against the Kings in Los Angeles. With many stars on the ice for the opposing team, this game looked to be a high scoring affair. Mike Smith was a brick wall throughout the first period, as he didn’t let a single puck past him. The second period proved to be slightly different with Phil Kessel sniping a laser of a shot past him for Pittsburgh’s only goal. Smith would finish the game with 27 saves and a .964 save percentage.

Highlights from Pittsburgh Penguins at Arizona Coyotes:

Mike Smith was calm and comfortable in between the pipes for both games to start the season. If he keeps it up, the Arizona Coyotes may be able to sneak their way into the post-season. Again, it’s very early on in the season to be making that bold of a prediction. However, you can’t help but to enjoy the kind of hockey the Arizona Coyotes are putting out on display. Mike Smith seems to have hit his groove, and he will be ready for the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. Of course, Smith still has that personality we all know and love…

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