from Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic,

For three games over a 10-day span, Coyotes goalie Mike Smith sat at the end of the bench as a spectator to the action.

And in his first start since Dec. 11, it didn't take long before Smith was back in what's becoming his regular perch.

Smith's return Monday barely lasted a period as he was beaten for four goals on 11 shots by the Canucks and chased after 21:41 en route to a 7-1 loss in front of 18,794 at Rogers Arena....

It was the second time in his last three starts Smith's been unable to finish the game. After being on the hook for five against the Predators in his previous appearance, Smith has now given up 17 goals in his past five games. Since back-to-back wins in early November, Smith has gone 1-9-2.

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