By ,
Published January 08, 2015
New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith was helped off the ice late in the third period of Monday's game with an apparent leg injury after a Rangers player fell on top of him in the crease.
The Coyotes didn't have an immediate update on Smith's condition after the game, saying only that he suffered a lower-body injury.
Smith grabbed at his right leg after bending awkwardly under Derick Brassard, who was nudged into the goaltender by Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris as the two fought for position in front.
Smith, appearing in his 62nd game for a team battling for a playoff spot, smacked his blocker against the inside of the net and threw his hands over his face in obvious pain.
He needed help to skate off.
"It was a tough situation. I would like to see us be a little tougher in front of him, but it is what it is," said Phoenix coach Dave Tippett.
Thomas Greiss came in to replace Smith and gave up a tying goal to Dan Girardi with 3:28 left in regulation. Ryan McDonagh then beat Greiss in overtime to give the Rangers a comeback win.
Tippett said Greiss was scheduled to play Tuesday at Pittsburgh and "that won't change."
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/coyotes-g-smith-helped-off-ice