Coyoyes’ Smith day to day with leg injury

The Phoenix Coyotes' playoff hopes were dealt a massive blow when goaltender Mike Smith went down in an immense amount of pain.

PITTSBURGH — Phoenix Coyotes coach Dave Tippett says goaltender Mike Smith is “day to day” after injuring his right leg against the New York Rangers.

Smith was hurt in the third period of Monday night’s 4-3 overtime loss. He underwent tests Tuesday and will be evaluated when the team returns to Phoenix on Friday.

Thomas Greiss will start in goal Tuesday when the Coyotes face the Metropolitan Division-leading Pittsburgh Penguins.

Smith left the game with 7:43 remaining in regulation after being bowled over by New York’s Derick Brassard.

Smith is one of the major reasons the Coyotes are battling for the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs. He is 27-21-10 with a 2.64 goals-against average and three shutouts.

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