Coyotes GM Maloney on Smith: 'We need him to carry the load and get us back to the playoffs'

If you're Arizona Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith, you've got quite the job to do this season. General manager Don Maloney told Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet Smith would have to be the difference within their team.

"We can skate and move the puck, but can we defend when we need to defend?" Maloney asked. "It’s all about mix, chemistry, coaching, goaltending and talent next in line."

The short answer? Yes, they can defend, but only if Smith is there to back them up, according to Maloney.

"We need him to carry the load and get us back to the playoffs," Maloney said. "It’s black-and-white. If he's where he can be, he makes the difference."

Smith made the Canadian Olympic team that won gold in Sochi. His final regular season record was 27-23-10.