MIKE SMITH

April 3, 2012 phoenix 2, Columbus 0

SMITH MADE 54 SAVES and endured seven power plays to shut out the Blue Jackets as Phoenix inched closer to what became its most successful playoff run in franchise history. The Coyotes’ victory lifted them into seventh place in the Western Conference and they wound up clinching a playoff berth prior to their next game when Dallas lost to Nashville April 5.

Phoenix finished the 2011-12 regular season on a five-game winning streak, a run highlighted by Smith’s outstanding performance in a high-leverage game versus Columbus.