The Phoenix Coyotes were one of the best stories of the 2011-12 NHL season. They flew under the radar for most of the year, with most of the Phoenix headlines involving speculation on ownership or relocation.
The Coyotes have been competitive since Dave Tippett took over as head coach in 2009. Three straight trips to the Stanley Cup playoffs are no small feat given the market and relative instability in the Arizona desert.
As a franchise, Phoenix had never gotten past the first round dating back to their history in Winnipeg. The cornerstone of their franchise, goalie Ilya Bryzgalov hit the free agent market and signed in Philadelphia. Heading into the season, the Coyotes would be counting on a free agent acquisition of their own in goal, Mike Smith.
A casualty of the Tampa Bay Lightning goaltending surplus, Smith signed with the Coyotes hoping for a chance to compete for the starting goalkeeper vacancy. Smith signed with the Coyotes for two years and proved to be one of the biggest bargains of the free agent market. He finished the season with 38 wins, a 2.21 goals against average, eight shutouts to go along with an impressive .930 save percentage.
The Coyotes, behind Smith would win their first playoff series since 1987 and would advance to the Western Conference Finals before falling to Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles.
In an offseason that the franchise secured viable ownership, spirits were finally flying high for the Coyotes. Until the lockout came, Phoenix and Smith certainly warranted consideration for another Pacific Division crown. At age 30, Mike Smith seems to have found his home and his groove in the Arizona desert.
As a fantasy option, Smith may not merit a ranking alongside the NHL elite goaltenders, but the grinding style of coach Tippett favors the big Ontario native from a statistical standpoint. The defensive back checking Coyotes play excellent team defense and surrender low percentage scoring chances more often than not.
Look for the unglamorous Smith to fall into the middle rounds or beyond. Don’t be fooled by the ordinary name, and average ranking, Mike Smith is an excellent choice in goal for almost any round.