If there is one player the Phoenix Coyotes can not afford to lose, it just might be goalie Mike Smith.
Mike Smith injury: Coyotes goalie leaves game with apparent leg injury
The Coyotes may have to continue their playoff push without starting goalie Mike Smith.
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sport
Unfortunately for the Coyotes, he had to leave their game in New York on Monday with an apparent leg injury after Rangers forward Derick Brassard fell on him, resulting in Smith's lower body twisting awkwardly. After remaining on the ice for several minutes in obvious pain, he was helped off the ice without putting any weight on his right leg.
He was replaced by backup Thomas Greiss.
In 61 games this season Smith has a .915 save percentage to go with a 27-21-10 record. He has been playing his best hockey of the season over the past couple of months posting a .934 save percentage in 16 appearances since the start of February.
The Coyotes are one of three teams, along with Dallas and Vancouver, fighting for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. Phoenix entered play on Wednesday in the final playoff spot with a two-point lead over the Stars.
At the time of the injury Phoenix had a 3-2 lead, but Griess surrendered a game-tying goal to Dan Girardi with less than two minutes to play.
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