DDB: Coyotes confident despite slump

GLENDALE — Despite a four-game losing streak that has
knocked them from third place in the Western Conference
standings to seventh, the Coyotes remain a confident group
with 15 games to go in the regular season.

“There’s no need to panic,” goalie Mike Smith told
reporters after an optional practice at Jobing.com Arena
on Wednesday. “There’s still some hockey games left. We
just can’t afford to let any more games slip away. It
starts with me – it starts with the goaltending – and the
rest of the guys will follow.”

The Coyotes next play Thursday when they host the
Minnesota Wild in the first of three homes games in five
nights.

“This is no time for feeling sorry for ourselves,” Smith
said. “We have to find a way to get over this little slump
and start winning some hockey games.”

Smith has posted an 0-3 record since being named the NHL’s
No. 1 Star of February. Head Coach Dave Tippett removed
him from Tuesday night’s 3-2 loss at Columbus less than
four minutes into the game after he gave up two goals on
seven shots.

Smith worked hard at Wednesday’s hour-long practice and is
eager to get back in net.

“It’s obvious that I’m in a little bit of a funk right now
but I’m going to do everything I can to get back as quick
as I can,” he said.

The Coyotes have been outscored 8-1 in the first period
during their losing streak. Tippett said that trend must
end immediately.

“I don’t care who you are in this League, if your chasing
games you’re not going to be very successful,” Tippett
said. “You can get away with it now and then but not very
often.”

Tippett is looking for every player on the roster to give
a little more effort in the final month of the season.

“Our players know what’s at stake right now,” Tippett
said. “We had a good stretch and now we’ve got to look to
find a way to find our game again. Right through our
lineup we have to have a little more consistency, and the
ability to push the game along and stay away from the
errors.”

Forward Mikkel Boedker said the key to ending the slump is
tapping the confidence earned when the team posted an 11-
0-1 record in February.

“We’ve got to keep our heads high,” Boedker said. “We’ve
just got to keep in mind that we know how to win and we
can win.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Contact Dave Vest at thedesertdo
gblog@phoenixcoyotes.com and follow him on Twitter
@davest4yotes.
For information on upcoming Phoenix Coyotes games, please
visit http://coyotes.nhl.com

Follow @Vincemarotta