With two more games looming this week, Phoenix may turn to backup goaltender Jason LaBarbera for this one. Mike Smith, who has started the past nine games, has allowed nine goals on 83 shots in the team’s three-game skid.
In nine career appearances against the Blue Jackets, LaBarbera has a 4-4-0 record with a 1.70 GAA, .944 SV% and one shutout.
Backup goalie Jason LaBarbera will make his fourth consecutive start in place of injured starter Mike Smith, who has been skating the past few days as he recovers from a lower-body injury.
LaBarbera has played 523 NHL games but none against the Bruins. -PhoenixCoyotes.com
But if we had to use Mac, we feel like he has some good experience. And we would throw him in there.
Doesn't sound like head coach Dave Tippett plans on starting McElhinney anytime soon. In two career starts against the Kings, LaBarbera has a 1-1-0 record with a 2.89 GAA and .880 SV%.
With a game at red-hot Detroit looming on Thursday, it's possible the Coyotes will rest starting goalie Mike Smith and turn to backup Jason LaBarbera tonight.
LaBarbera already has faced Nashville twice this season and stopped 51 of 55 shots in those games (one win and one loss). -PhoenixCoyotes.com