GDT: Game 52: Coyotes @ Canucks | 1/26 6pm MST | FSA+

[MIGs Dog]

I refuse to believe there's a healthy dressing room atmosphere with the 6 million dollar elephant in the corner single handedly throwing this season away for us.

Maybe we should trade for Brouwer afterall, at least he can chew out his team mates.

#WaiveSmith

I thought you were talking about Ribeiro

 

[MIGs Dog]

Also, Ribs isn't a good defender, but I'm glad he's on the team, he's got skill, which we are sorely lacking and to make it to the Cup you have to have skill.

but it's possible to have skill, hustle, and play both ends of the ice. He's not it.

 

[cobra427]

I'd like to see Smith start against the Kings, cause at least he's always pissed against them. If he plays like he did against Edmonton, he gets the next start. If he plays like he did last night, Greiss gets the low risk start against Buffalo. And then, just like 2 weeks ago, if Greiss does well against Buffalo then he starts against Pittsburgh, just like he did against Anaheim.

This game against the Kings is Smith's last chance before Greiss gets some work I'd think.

Let's just hope we see the Smith from Friday against the Kings.

EDIT: Sharks and Oilers winning in regulation today would be huge.

Maybe Tip should play Greiss. Does anyone really think Greiss is the answer? He might play better then Smith is right now but I don't see him leading us to the playoffs. I am hoping that Smith with time off/the Olympic break/being around 2 better goalies and not playing in the Olympics, will help him improve his game. He just has to be better or we are sunk for this year and beyond.

 

[JTPoni23]

Maybe Tip should play Greiss. Does anyone really think Greiss is the answer? He might play better then Smith is right now but I don't see him leading us to the playoffs. I am hoping that Smith with time off/the Olympic break/being around 2 better goalies and not playing in the Olympics, will help him improve his game. He just has to be better or we are sunk for this year and beyond.

No Greiss is not the answer. I think I posted about this in detail in the Roster Discussion thread or something, but basically to repeat what I said...Greiss this year is more consistent than Smith. But when Smith is on his game he is obviously way better than Greiss, and is one of the top goalies in the league. Greiss on his own will not lead us to the playoffs, Smith is the only one capable of that. On top of that, if we made the playoffs (which personally I think we do), we would probably play either St. Louis, Chicago, or Anaheim. Greiss might keep the games close, but Smith is the only one capable of single handedly winning a series against those calibre teams.

The problem is, we actually need Smith to play at that level. And, our defence and team turnovers this year compared to 2012 are really bad.

So 2 things need to happen.

Stone, Schlemko and Yandle need to somehow get all the shenanigans in our own zone (and even Schlemko in the offensive zone now ) out of their system soon. Because they sure as hell are a far cry from the 2012 steadiness of Aucoin, Rozsival and Klesla. In 2012 we only had one risky defenceman in terms of defensive zone play, which was Yandle. And we had 5 other steady guys in our own zone to offset him. Now, we have 3 guys who when they are stuck in our zone my heart rate increases, and only 3 steady guys (Morris, OEL and Michalek) to offset them.

On top of that we have Ribeiro who can make some spiffy passes and weave on one side of centre, but when it comes to team defence and backchecking on the other side of centre he likes to imitate the Ovechkin disconnected controller gif as much as possible.

The second issue which has to change is Smith. Yes, the turnovers and defensive zone play is atrocious. But he needs to find that one extra big save per game to nullify that one soft goal per game. That's all I'm asking. Get rid of just one soft goal per game, for one extra save. This is not Devan Dubnyk and letting in 3 or 4 terrible goals per game where all hope is lost. Some of you seem to want to see Smith fail which is ridiculous. You know he is the only way we get anything done in the playoffs. This is some type of adjustment where he needs to get back to only letting in 2 goals per game instead of 3. We seem to be losing a ton of one goal games lately. Smith needs to be better.

If one of those two things change soon, I say we make the playoffs for sure. If somehow both can change, we may upset someone in the playoffs.

 

[CC96]

Just noticed Ribeiro is 2/20 on faceoffs over his last 2 games. How is that even possible?

 

[cobra427]

No Greiss is not the answer. I think I posted about this in detail in the Roster Discussion thread or something, but basically to repeat what I said...Greiss this year is more consistent than Smith. But when Smith is on his game he is obviously way better than Greiss, and is one of the top goalies in the league. Greiss on his own will not lead us to the playoffs, Smith is the only one capable of that. On top of that, if we made the playoffs (which personally I think we do), we would probably play either St. Louis, Chicago, or Anaheim. Greiss might keep the games close, but Smith is the only one capable of single handedly winning a series against those calibre teams.

The problem is, we actually need Smith to play at that level. And, our defence and team turnovers this year compared to 2012 are really bad.

So 2 things need to happen.

Stone, Schlemko and Yandle need to somehow get all the shenanigans in our own zone (and even Schlemko in the offensive zone now ) out of their system soon. Because they sure as hell are a far cry from the 2012 steadiness of Aucoin, Rozsival and Klesla. In 2012 we only had one risky defenceman in terms of defensive zone play, which was Yandle. And we had 5 other steady guys in our own zone to offset him. Now, we have 3 guys who when they are stuck in our zone my heart rate increases, and only 3 steady guys (Morris, OEL and Michalek) to offset them.

On top of that we have Ribeiro who can make some spiffy passes and weave on one side of centre, but when it comes to team defence and backchecking on the other side of centre he likes to imitate the Ovechkin disconnected controller gif as much as possible.

The second issue which has to change is Smith. Yes, the turnovers and defensive zone play is atrocious. But he needs to find that one extra big save per game to nullify that one soft goal per game. That's all I'm asking. Get rid of just one soft goal per game, for one extra save. This is not Devan Dubnyk and letting in 3 or 4 terrible goals per game where all hope is lost. Some of you seem to want to see Smith fail which is ridiculous. You know he is the only way we get anything done in the playoffs. This is some type of adjustment where he needs to get back to only letting in 2 goals per game instead of 3. We seem to be losing a ton of one goal games lately. Smith needs to be better.

If one of those two things change soon, I say we make the playoffs for sure. If somehow both can change, we may upset someone in the playoffs.

I mostly agree that Smith has to be better and is our only hope to do well in the playoffs if we make it in. I would like to see stats of 2012 versus this year. I know that last year, Tip made a comment near the end of the 2013 season: Tip said our scoring chances against were down versus 2012. I don't think scoring chances against this year are any higher then the last 2 years. Does anyone have those statistics?

Obviously, playing tight D reduces scoring chances while mistakes increase them. I can see our D actually being tighter when everyone is healthy this year versus years past. I also see us behind more often which causes Yandle/OEL/Schlemko to jump in the play/pinch more often. That leads to glaring mistakes, pucks in our net, and us ragging on Yandle/schlemko, etc... This problem is compounded when the other team scores first. Smith giving up early soft goals sets the cycle in motion.

I suspect that, like last nights game, scoring chances are less then in past seasons. I think Smith is 90% of our problems, and is also 90% of the solution.

 

[BUX7PHX]

I mostly agree that Smith has to be better and is our only hope to do well in the playoffs if we make it in. I would like to see stats of 2012 versus this year. I know that last year, Tip made a comment near the end of the 2013 season: Tip said our scoring chances against were down versus 2012. I don't think scoring chances against this year are any higher then the last 2 years. Does anyone have those statistics?

Obviously, playing tight D reduces scoring chances while mistakes increase them. I can see our D actually being tighter when everyone is healthy this year versus years past. I also see us behind more often which causes Yandle/OEL/Schlemko to jump in the play/pinch more often. That leads to glaring mistakes, pucks in our net, and us ragging on Yandle/schlemko, etc... This problem is compounded when the other team scores first. Smith giving up early soft goals sets the cycle in motion.

I suspect that, like last nights game, scoring chances are less then in past seasons. I think Smith is 90% of our problems, and is also 90% of the solution.

I do not have those statistics, but this does speak volumes about the defensive play. If we are giving up more goals per game, but limiting scoring chances, that woul equate to the quality of the opposition's scoring chances going way up. Shots that used to be taken closer to the high-slot areas are now taken in the middle or low slot areas, where the chance of scoring increases that much more.

Agreed on being the team playing from behind, but again, is that b/c Smith is allowing soft first shots, or b/c the team is giving up solid opportunities? Regardless of which one it is, we are still playing from behind, which leads to us taking more risk to keep the offense going.

I don't think that Smith has given up a greater proportion of soft goals this year compared to last (slightly different story compared to 2012). But I also think that if he had that great of a propensity to allow the soft first goal, we would not have re-signed him, let alone have him start as often as he does. Greiss does need a few more games of action, though.

 

[cobra427]

I do not have those statistics, but this does speak volumes about the defensive play. If we are giving up more goals per game, but limiting scoring chances, that woul equate to the quality of the opposition's scoring chances going way up. Shots that used to be taken closer to the high-slot areas are now taken in the middle or low slot areas, where the chance of scoring increases that much more.

Agreed on being the team playing from behind, but again, is that b/c Smith is allowing soft first shots, or b/c the team is giving up solid opportunities? Regardless of which one it is, we are still playing from behind, which leads to us taking more risk to keep the offense going.

I don't think that Smith has given up a greater proportion of soft goals this year compared to last (slightly different story compared to 2012). But I also think that if he had that great of a propensity to allow the soft first goal, we would not have re-signed him, let alone have him start as often as he does. Greiss does need a few more games of action, though.

I always thought a scoring chance was a shot from the center area to the dots, roughly. I have never seen a stat on the quality of scoring chances, always thought a scoring chance was an indication in itself of a quality opportunity. If we have less scoring chances, the D has to be playing better. I know this is one of Tip's major goals, he talks about it enough, to limit scoring chances.

I do think Smith has let in more soft goals then last year. Smith also had 5 shut outs last year, so although overall it was a down year, he was either really good or really bad.

I think early in the year, our scoring masked D lapses and Smith's play. Then the D injuries came, and we could kind of blame that versus blaming Smith. Now the D has been healthy, we have been out playing the other team and we loose. I would love to see scoring chance stats for this year versus the last 2 years if anyone has them?

 

[TeamTourigny]

let me ask: who should the Coyotes have acquired last summer over resigning of Mike Smith? It doesn't matter if its Mike Smith or Roberto, or almost anyone except Marty: all goalies are head cases and they all have regressive periods of their game. What Mike Smith needs to do is re-focus because that's clearly what he is lacking currently.

 

[BUX7PHX]

I always thought a scoring chance was a shot from the center area to the dots, roughly. I have never seen a stat on the quality of scoring chances, always thought a scoring chance was an indication in itself of a quality opportunity. If we have less scoring chances, the D has to be playing better. I know this is one of Tip's major goals, he talks about it enough, to limit scoring chances.

I do think Smith has let in more soft goals then last year. Smith also had 5 shut outs last year, so although overall it was a down year, he was either really good or really bad.

I think early in the year, our scoring masked D lapses and Smith's play. Then the D injuries came, and we could kind of blame that versus blaming Smith. Now the D has been healthy, we have been out playing the other team and we loose. I would love to see scoring chance stats for this year versus the last 2 years if anyone has them?

Yeah, scoring chances as statistics are somewhat hard to quantify. A shot from the point that creates a pad save is not a scoring chance, but if a player hammers in the rebound on the same shot, the rebound is a scoring chance.

Typically, odd-man breaks are going to be counted as scoring chances (which we have had a ton of those breakdowns this year). Also, the way the statistic is tracked makes "easy" saves a non-scoring chance and saves where the goalie is forced to change his position as a scoring chance. Look at where Bieska scored the OT winner though. The first shot took place just higher than the dots, so technically could be counted as a non-scoring chance. However, after the initial save, the puck kicked up and in, and this would be considered a scoring chance.

Instead of overthinking what is or isn't a scoring chance, I will just say that the quality of general shots faced is much higher. That could be due to being out of position, defensive lapses, someone falling down in transition - a number of different reasons. But the bottom line is that shots that 2 or 3 years ago would not have had second chance opportunities or our defense limiting the middle of the ice is not consistent any longer.

 

[cobra427]

Yeah, scoring chances as statistics are somewhat hard to quantify. A shot from the point that creates a pad save is not a scoring chance, but if a player hammers in the rebound on the same shot, the rebound is a scoring chance.

Typically, odd-man breaks are going to be counted as scoring chances (which we have had a ton of those breakdowns this year). Also, the way the statistic is tracked makes "easy" saves a non-scoring chance and saves where the goalie is forced to change his position as a scoring chance. Look at where Bieska scored the OT winner though. The first shot took place just higher than the dots, so technically could be counted as a non-scoring chance. However, after the initial save, the puck kicked up and in, and this would be considered a scoring chance.

Instead of overthinking what is or isn't a scoring chance, I will just say that the quality of general shots faced is much higher. That could be due to being out of position, defensive lapses, someone falling down in transition - a number of different reasons. But the bottom line is that shots that 2 or 3 years ago would not have had second chance opportunities or our defense limiting the middle of the ice is not consistent any longer.

I guess I don't think I agree with that. I think when we are healthy, our D has been solid, like last night for the most part, last 5-8 games or so. I think Smith has let in more soft goals and has made less spectacular saves versus the last 2 years. I would love to hear DM or Tip's comments on this subject as to if this is primarily a Smith problem or D problem, even when healthy?

 

[CC96]

I thought our D sucked last night. Smitty did too, but our D let up far too many quality scoring chances.

 

[letowskie]

I guess I don't think I agree with that. I think when we are healthy, our D has been solid, like last night for the most part, last 5-8 games or so. I think Smith has let in more soft goals and has made less spectacular saves versus the last 2 years. I would love to hear DM or Tip's comments on this subject as to if this is primarily a Smith problem or D problem, even when healthy?

Seriously; at this point I'm not even sure what to say any more about Smitty's performance.

It really can't get any worse if you call up Domingue / Visentin for the rest of the season. Smith is simply not performing at a level that is commensurate with most NHL goalies, much less an Olympian and someone that get's paid a king's ransom.

 

[Etch]

While we have given up some scoring chances at times, there have also been games where the worst chance we give up is a single 2 on 1 against and we still lose.

The soft goals I hate the most are the point shots or scrambles that go five hole on Smith. I don't think he's made a single save on a 5 hole shot all year.

This is normal Smith, he's not getting any younger and he's given us absolutely zero reason to believe that his play will improve. We're in a lot of trouble for the next few years since we're stuck with this clown.

You think it's bad now? Wait till the players start to finally turn on him or lose faith in their goaltender making routine saves.

 

[BUX7PHX]

Seriously; at this point I'm not even sure what to say any more about Smitty's performance.

It really can't get any worse if you call up Domingue / Visentin for the rest of the season. Smith is simply not performing at a level that is commensurate with most NHL goalies, much less an Olympian and someone that get's paid a king's ransom.

I will agree that this is not the expectation headed into the year. Maybe we simply need to accept that our D isn't at the caliber it once was, from goal all the way out to the forwards.

If this is the worst that Smith has it, given that our D has had miscues that haven't helped (talking forwards here, too) and a sizable quantity of shots against, is a .909 save percentage that bad?

I will say that he has had times this year where he looks smaller in his positioning. Not squaring up enough. Squaring up has the added benefit of spotting the puck and players. He hasn't seen thepuck clearly enough. Didn't the NHL switch to smaller goalie pads this year? Is scoring up in general ,b/c that could be part of it?

 

[Mosby]

Didn't the NHL switch to smaller goalie pads this year?

Yes, leg pads were reduced (generally) by 2 inches per leg.

The previous rule was that the height of the pad above the knee = no more than 55% of the distance from the knee to the pelvis. So, if that distance is 20 inches, you can have no more than 11 inches (20x.55) above the knee.

The new rule is 45%. So with the same number of 20 inches, it becomes 9 inches (20x.45) above the knee.

With 2 inches per leg, that means a 4 inch bigger five hole.

This rule change was more detrimental to bigger goalies like Smith.

 

[azcanuck]

I dont blame equipment or our D's makeup for Smith's struggles.

Here are his career stats:

50 25 19 6 3 125 1,512 .917 2.50 2,998
2006-2007 Stars 23 12 5 - 2 3 45 511 .912 2.23 1,213
2007-2008 Stars 21 12 9 - 0 2 48 510 .906 2.46 1,172
2007-2008 Lightning 13 3 10 - 0 1 36 338 .893 2.79 774
2008-2009 Lightning 41 14 18 - 9 2 108 1,282 .916 2.62 2,471
2009-2010 Lightning 42 13 18 - 7 2 117 1,165 .900 3.09 2,273
2010-2011 Lightning 22 13 6 - 1 1 58 576 .899 2.90 1,202
2010-2011 Norfolk Admirals-AHL 5 1 4 0 1 9 110 .924 1.83 296
2011-2012 Coyotes 67 38 18 - 10 8 144 2,066 .930 2.21 3,903
2012-2013 Coyotes 34 15 12 - 5 5 84 938 .910 2.58 1,956
2012-2013 Canada-WC-A 4 2 2 0 1 7 126 1.65 255
2013-2014 Coyotes 45 18 15 - 9 1 126 1,374 .908 2.91 2,597
NHL Totals 308 138 111 0 43 25 766 8,760 .913 2.62 17,561

He's basically had one great year. And from that got on Team Canada's radar. combined with the lack of great goalies in Canada got a spot on the team. But he will not sniff the ice over there.

His struggles are evident just watching the game. He's treats the puck like a hand grenade. Even shots fired right at him seem to got through him (swiss cheese?).

I dont know what to make of this guy. Goalies are notorious for having quirky personalites and confidence issues much like closers in baseball. They can flare out very quickly. I've seen it happen over the years with the names Steve Penny and Mike Moffat standing out.

Can smith be a premier goalie in this league? Yes although his history does not really bare that out. more likely we will have an average goalie here being paid a lot of money.

 

[Summer Rose]

I dont blame equipment or our D's makeup for Smith's struggles.

Here are his career stats:

50 25 19 6 3 125 1,512 .917 2.50 2,998
2006-2007 Stars 23 12 5 - 2 3 45 511 .912 2.23 1,213
2007-2008 Stars 21 12 9 - 0 2 48 510 .906 2.46 1,172
2007-2008 Lightning 13 3 10 - 0 1 36 338 .893 2.79 774
2008-2009 Lightning 41 14 18 - 9 2 108 1,282 .916 2.62 2,471
2009-2010 Lightning 42 13 18 - 7 2 117 1,165 .900 3.09 2,273
2010-2011 Lightning 22 13 6 - 1 1 58 576 .899 2.90 1,202
2010-2011 Norfolk Admirals-AHL 5 1 4 0 1 9 110 .924 1.83 296
2011-2012 Coyotes 67 38 18 - 10 8 144 2,066 .930 2.21 3,903
2012-2013 Coyotes 34 15 12 - 5 5 84 938 .910 2.58 1,956
2012-2013 Canada-WC-A 4 2 2 0 1 7 126 1.65 255
2013-2014 Coyotes 45 18 15 - 9 1 126 1,374 .908 2.91 2,597
NHL Totals 308 138 111 0 43 25 766 8,760 .913 2.62 17,561

He's basically had one great year. And from that got on Team Canada's radar. combined with the lack of great goalies in Canada got a spot on the team. But he will not sniff the ice over there.

His struggles are evident just watching the game. He's treats the puck like a hand grenade. Even shots fired right at him seem to got through him (swiss cheese?).

I dont know what to make of this guy. Goalies are notorious for having quirky personalites and confidence issues much like closers in baseball. They can flare out very quickly. I've seen it happen over the years with the names Steve Penny and Mike Moffat standing out.

Can smith be a premier goalie in this league? Yes although his history does not really bare that out. more likely we will have an average goalie here being paid a lot of money.

One of Price or Luongo will get a minor injury during the group stage. The one remaining will start the gold medal game against the USA with Mike Smith on the bench. Canada will build a 3-0 lead, but midway through the second period, the starter (whether Price or Luongo) will get hurt, and Smith will have to come in.

The USA will then score 5 goals on 13 shots and win the game 5-3.

 

[CC96]

One of Price or Luongo will get a minor injury during the group stage. The one remaining will start the gold medal game against the USA with Mike Smith on the bench. Canada will build a 3-0 lead, but midway through the second period, the starter (whether Price or Luongo) will get hurt, and Smith will have to come in.

The USA will then score 5 goals on 13 shots and win the game 5-3.

Would you really want Dustin Brown to win the gold?

 

[cobra427]

I dont blame equipment or our D's makeup for Smith's struggles.

Here are his career stats:

50 25 19 6 3 125 1,512 .917 2.50 2,998
2006-2007 Stars 23 12 5 - 2 3 45 511 .912 2.23 1,213
2007-2008 Stars 21 12 9 - 0 2 48 510 .906 2.46 1,172
2007-2008 Lightning 13 3 10 - 0 1 36 338 .893 2.79 774
2008-2009 Lightning 41 14 18 - 9 2 108 1,282 .916 2.62 2,471
2009-2010 Lightning 42 13 18 - 7 2 117 1,165 .900 3.09 2,273
2010-2011 Lightning 22 13 6 - 1 1 58 576 .899 2.90 1,202
2010-2011 Norfolk Admirals-AHL 5 1 4 0 1 9 110 .924 1.83 296
2011-2012 Coyotes 67 38 18 - 10 8 144 2,066 .930 2.21 3,903
2012-2013 Coyotes 34 15 12 - 5 5 84 938 .910 2.58 1,956
2012-2013 Canada-WC-A 4 2 2 0 1 7 126 1.65 255
2013-2014 Coyotes 45 18 15 - 9 1 126 1,374 .908 2.91 2,597
NHL Totals 308 138 111 0 43 25 766 8,760 .913 2.62 17,561

He's basically had one great year. And from that got on Team Canada's radar. combined with the lack of great goalies in Canada got a spot on the team. But he will not sniff the ice over there.

His struggles are evident just watching the game. He's treats the puck like a hand grenade. Even shots fired right at him seem to got through him (swiss cheese?).

I dont know what to make of this guy. Goalies are notorious for having quirky personalites and confidence issues much like closers in baseball. They can flare out very quickly. I've seen it happen over the years with the names Steve Penny and Mike Moffat standing out.

Can smith be a premier goalie in this league? Yes although his history does not really bare that out. more likely we will have an average goalie here being paid a lot of money.

Goalies tend to mature later so I am not sure how much smiths early career numbers matter. With Burke as a coach, it certainly helped bryz and smith. 2 year ago, great season. Last year not as good but still led the nhl in shutouts. Hopefully Burke can help him get back on track. The skills are there just some adjustments and consistency. The bottom line is that we are a budget team and will never have top end skill. We will always rely on D and having great goal tending. I am as down on smith as anyone but he still is our best hope of having a great goal tender. We have no other viable options.

 

[BUX7PHX]

I dont blame equipment or our D's makeup for Smith's struggles.

Here are his career stats:

50 25 19 6 3 125 1,512 .917 2.50 2,998
2006-2007 Stars 23 12 5 - 2 3 45 511 .912 2.23 1,213
2007-2008 Stars 21 12 9 - 0 2 48 510 .906 2.46 1,172
2007-2008 Lightning 13 3 10 - 0 1 36 338 .893 2.79 774
2008-2009 Lightning 41 14 18 - 9 2 108 1,282 .916 2.62 2,471
2009-2010 Lightning 42 13 18 - 7 2 117 1,165 .900 3.09 2,273
2010-2011 Lightning 22 13 6 - 1 1 58 576 .899 2.90 1,202
2010-2011 Norfolk Admirals-AHL 5 1 4 0 1 9 110 .924 1.83 296
2011-2012 Coyotes 67 38 18 - 10 8 144 2,066 .930 2.21 3,903
2012-2013 Coyotes 34 15 12 - 5 5 84 938 .910 2.58 1,956
2012-2013 Canada-WC-A 4 2 2 0 1 7 126 1.65 255
2013-2014 Coyotes 45 18 15 - 9 1 126 1,374 .908 2.91 2,597
NHL Totals 308 138 111 0 43 25 766 8,760 .913 2.62 17,561

He's basically had one great year. And from that got on Team Canada's radar. combined with the lack of great goalies in Canada got a spot on the team. But he will not sniff the ice over there.

His struggles are evident just watching the game. He's treats the puck like a hand grenade. Even shots fired right at him seem to got through him (swiss cheese?).

I dont know what to make of this guy. Goalies are notorious for having quirky personalites and confidence issues much like closers in baseball. They can flare out very quickly. I've seen it happen over the years with the names Steve Penny and Mike Moffat standing out.

Can smith be a premier goalie in this league? Yes although his history does not really bare that out. more likely we will have an average goalie here being paid a lot of money.

The equipment thing should hurt most all goaltenders, so I asked if scoring was up this year vs. last year as an overall look. If scoring across the NHL is up by 0.05goals per game that means that it is part of the explainable difference.

The D's makeup has a lot to do with a goalie's struggles or successes. In 2008-09, he had a better year statistically than in 2010-11. But he had a far better record in 2010-11. I'd take that to be exactly what it is; in 2008-09 on a bad team that got several shots against, he was relied on to bail others out, which is why his numbers look great as far as save percentage goes. He may have faced a lot more shots, but they may have been easier saves. In 2010-11, he may have faced fewer shots, but they were of higher quality chances. Or like this year's team, maybe no one clears the trash out of the lane, and eventually 2nd, 3rd, or 4th opportunities will find their way to the back of our net. For as many times as we have been in the penalty box, our D better have something to do with Smith's play...

 

[azcanuck]

The equipment thing should hurt most all goaltenders, so I asked if scoring was up this year vs. last year as an overall look. If scoring across the NHL is up by 0.05goals per game that means that it is part of the explainable difference.

The D's makeup has a lot to do with a goalie's struggles or successes. In 2008-09, he had a better year statistically than in 2010-11. But he had a far better record in 2010-11. I'd take that to be exactly what it is; in 2008-09 on a bad team that got several shots against, he was relied on to bail others out, which is why his numbers look great as far as save percentage goes. He may have faced a lot more shots, but they may have been easier saves. In 2010-11, he may have faced fewer shots, but they were of higher quality chances. Or like this year's team, maybe no one clears the trash out of the lane, and eventually 2nd, 3rd, or 4th opportunities will find their way to the back of our net. For as many times as we have been in the penalty box, our D better have something to do with Smith's play...

I have no idea about what you just wrote but elite goalies continue to play great despite the inevitable changes on your team. Now it's more clear that Smith is not elite. I think after that great year perhaps the Coyotes and it's fans thought that was a possibility. We were all hopeful but if you look at the first 6 years of his career he had journeyman written all over him.

At the time they signed him I thought "wow what a replacement for Bryz". And not in a good way. But he surprised us with some great play.

Now he's regressing back to Mike of old. I think average goalie is what we have. And making a lot of money.