Update: A tweet from the Coyotes official Twitter account suggests the Mike Smith's injury is not as bad as appeared and the news is that he was able to put a surprising amount of weight on the injury. He will be out a few games and be reevaluated. He might not miss the rest of the season.
Although, to be truthful, I remain doubtful. A cynical person might suspect that the Coyotes would say that he was doing better than expected no matter what the truth was, since they clearly have motivation to sell hope. That being said, there is not reason as of now to doubt them, so let's all be optimistic that Smith can return and continue his recent string of great play. ---
The Coyotes jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but it wasn't enough.
Despite playing a great first period that saw the Rangers booed off the ice at their own arena, the Coyotes followed a familiar script and blew a two goal lead.
Instead of folding, however, they took the lead back before the end of the second period and held that lead until late in the third when the franchise's worst case scenario - as far as making the playoffs this year - unfolded.
With just over seven minutes left in the game, Derek Brassard was standing in the crease when he was lightly pushed by Derek Morris and fell on top of Mike Smith, who was in the butterfly position.
I am no doctor, but when you have your leg already bent at an awkward angle, it isn't the best thing for a 200lbs man to fall on it. Smith is likely done for a couple of weeks, at least.
The audio caught him screaming and he was writhing around in pain for several minutes before being helped off the ice. It was hard to watch. Reports had him walking around without assistance after the game, but still limping. That may be good news, but if he plays again at all this season I would be shocked.
With Smith out, Thomas Greiss will take the net. He got off to a rocky start at his new job last night, allowing a goal in the final three minutes to let the Rangers tie it up, and then another one in overtime for the loss. You can't blame the guy though, he is the least used back-up in the NHL and he didn't even get a warmup when he entered the game.
The Coyotes, if there is a silver lining here, at least received a point in the standings and remain one up on the Stars for that final playoff spot. Though it will be a monumental challenge to hold them off without Mike Smith, who has been their best player since the end of January when he seemed to regain his old form, it's not like it's impossible. It can't be a forgone conclusion that the season is now over. You still have to play the games.
As if things weren't rough enough, the Coyotes now have to play the second of a back-to-back tonight against the high scoring Penguins. After what happened last night, a win would seem like a miracle, but maybe it's not impossible. The Penguins are basically just playing out the string waiting for the Playoffs, and maybe - OK I know it's a long shot - the Coyotes are motivated by the loss of Smith and come out tonight with one of their best efforts of the season.
If any solace can be found in the wake of Smith's injury, then it is the possibility that goalies do seem to play up to the level of their team over time, and despite an inability to score goals, the Coyotes are a sound defensive team with a strong system, and a mobile defense. If Thomas Greiss is at least competent, then the Coyotes do have a chance to hold of the Stars.
There is no reason to think Greiss won't be competent either. He has a 7-5 record with a .924 save %. Those are stats similar to Smith's. I am not saying there won't be a difference, as Smith has been one of the best goalies in hockey for the last couple months, but I am not prepared to throw the towel in on the season.
If anything, the Coyotes are a resilient team. Look for them to hang on to that final spot.