Record-breaking, 58-save game is a ‘blur’ for Coyotes goaltender Smith

CHICAGO – Right now, the game feels like any other game to him.

Sure, he acknowledged he probably saw the puck better than he had all season. But, it didn’t necessarily dawn on him at the time that his workload was much higher than usual – more than he had ever experienced in his career, actually.

One day, though, in the future, Coyotes goalie Mike Smith might reflect back on last Saturday’s record-breaking, 58-save performance and view it differently.

“It was kind of like a blur, to be honest,” he said. “I’m sure I’ll look back at it at some point and be like, ‘Holy, 60 shots on net.’ … I’m sure after my career’s done I’ll look back on it as one of the ones that you’re like, ‘Man, that really happened.’”

Smith returned Tuesday against Chicago after a two-day break following his superb showing Saturday – only the fourth time in the last 25 years a goalie had 58 saves or more in a regular-season game to set career and franchisehighs.

“He’s played very well this year,” coach Dave Tippett said. “That’s the level we need him at.”

While that type of effort is the stabilizing presence the Coyotes could certainly use as they struggle to find consistency in their approach, giving up that many shots isn’t exactly a sustainable plan for success. Entering action Tuesday, their 35.4 shots-against per game average was most in the NHL.

“I think we recognize that,” Smith said. “... Over the course of a period of time, that’s not going to set yourself up for the most success.”

Duclair returns

Winger Anthony Duclair was back in the lineup against the Blackhawks after sitting as a healthy scratch Monday for the first time since joining the Coyotes. Duclair entered the game with only one goal and three assists through 23 games, a tough start for the sophomore after he scored 20 goals and finished with 44 points as a rookie last season.

“He’s pressing a little bit,” Tippett said. “When you’re a scorer and you don’t have the point totals, you start to press. This is a reset for him. Hopefully he gets back in and can jump in and play well.”

Game No. 2 for Perlini

Winger Brendan Perlini remained in the lineup Tuesday after making his NHL debut Monday.

Perlini skated in 13:45 and had two shot attempts, one that was blocked and one that missed the net.

“It was pretty special,” he said. “Obviously it would have been nice to get the win. In the same sense, it was good to get out there with the guys.”