The Phoenix Coyotes announced this after noon that they have activated goaltender Mike Smith from Injured Reserve. The team also announced that they have sent Curtis McElhinney back to the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League. McElhinney looked solid in his only start against the Wild only giving up 2goals in the 4-2 win and many expected him to start again tonight had Smith not returned.

Per Dave Vest, Head Coach Dave Tippett has said that there is a chance Smith could get the start tonight, but no official word on if it will be he or Jason LaBarbera in net against the St. Louis Blues.

Hopefully Smith's return will provide a boost to the Coyotes who are come off a lackluster December to say the least. In the six games since his injury the Coyotes went 2-3-1 with all of the losses being by only one goal. We'll update once we find out if Smith will in fact get the nod tonight, but it may be a game time decision.