Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith has been placed on the injured reserve list retroactive to Jan. 23 due to a groin injury suffered prior to the team’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite the injury, Smith managed to play 11 minutes and make four saves before leaving the game. While he will be eligible to return to game action on Wednesday night against the Edmonton Oilers, it is not believed that Smith will be ready by that time as he rejoined on-ice activity on Monday. Phoenix is 2-2 since Smith suffered the injury. American Hockey League call-up Chad Johnson recorded a shutout in Monday night’s game against the Nashville Predators, while Smith’s back-up Jason LaBarbera has compiled a 1-2 record since the injury.
Jan 29, 2013
