All the latest from the blue paint …
Mike Smith’s chance at redemption
Let’s face it: if Devan Dubnyk and Mike Smith made the same amount of money, there probably wouldn’t be much of a debate regarding which goalie would be getting most of the Arizona Coyotes’ starts right now.
The bottom line is that Smith is carrying a whopping $5.667 million cap hit through the 2018-19 season while Dubnyk’s $800K deal will expire after this season, so the Coyotes are in a tough spot.
Smith could make the situation less uncomfortable if he improves his play. At some point, dollars won’t matter more than numbers, especially the disparity between Smith’s stats (4-10-1, .890 save percentage) and Dubnyk’s superior work (5-0-1, .926 save percentage).
Sunday represents a big opportunity (and challenge) for Smith as he’s getting the nod against the Anaheim Ducks.
As usual, the Ducks haven’t provided a confirmation one way or another, but Frederik Andersen seems likely to face Smith and the Coyotes.
Elsewhere ...
Blues at Jets: It looks like it will be Jake Allen against Ondrej Pavelec, but neither have been confirmed.
Canadiens at Rangers: Playoff rematch of Dustin Tokarski vs. Henrik Lundqvist.
Blackhawks at Canucks: Corey Crawford’s likely vs. Ryan Miller.