Martin Brodeur owns the all-time shutout records, but for single-season deals, the Phoenix Coyotes are filling up the record books. Brian Boucher became the unlikely record holder for the league’s modern shutout streak at a whopping 332 minutes in 2003 while Mike Smith made the most saves (54) in any regulation shutout on Tuesday. That goose egg was just the historical exclamation point on a great three-game shutout streak that continues into Thursday, so it only makes sense that NHL.com’s Jerry Brown decided to compare the two.
Here are some of the highlights from Brown’s findings:
- Despite needing two more shutouts (and more than 100 minutes worth of scoreless time) to pass Boucher, Smith has amazingly already made more saves (157) during his streak than Boucher (147) did during his.
- To put that run in perspective - and raise Dave Tippett’s blood pressure - Smith has faced 45.3 shots per game in the last three contests, so it’s not exactly like he’s easing into those shutouts.
- That trio gives Smith eight shutouts on the season, tying a Coyotes franchise record.
- Let’s not forget that his great run is coming when Phoenix needs it the most. The Coyotes aren’t yet guaranteed a playoff spot, but if they end up in the postseason for the third straight year, it’ll be because they’re so tough to score on. Credit Tippett all you want but Smith is worthy of praise.
Speaking of praise, Tippett gushed about his goalie, even if he isn’t ecstatic about the defense in front of him.
“Smitty’s been unbelievable. Time after time, he’s made big saves for us and it’s been an incredible run,” Tippett said. “But this is three games in a row now. Right now, thinking about (winning) the division should be an afterthought. If we’re going to have any chance at all, we have to play better as a group. A lot of other guys need to jump in. We have to dig a little deeper. We’re going to have to figure out some things, like lineup changes.”
Perhaps Sean Burke deserves a portion of the credit for the Coyotes not even missing a beat - if not getting stronger - in net after Ilya Bryzgalov’s high-profile departure.
Whenever Smith’s streak ends, it’ll likely be an impressive achievement - and he might just make a little more history in the process.