Smith back in net vs. Allen as Coyotes oppose Blues

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Phoenix Coyotes finally get to face another opponent after a unique three-game series with the Anaheim Ducks. After falling 2-0 Wednesday in Anaheim but getting four out of six points in the three games, the Coyotes face the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night.

Goalie Mike Smith, who sat out for the first time in 16 games Wednesday in favor of Jason LaBarbera, will be back in goal. The Coyotes are hoping to have Radim Vrbata (lower body) back in the lineup either against St. Louis or Saturday against the Dallas Stars, and sent Chris Brown back to the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League on Wednesday.

The Blues will start Jake Allen in net coming off Tuesday's 6-4 loss at the Los Angeles Kings.

COYOTES

Kyle Chipchura -- Matthew Lombardi -- Shane Doan

Mikkel Boedker -- Martin Hanzal -- Steve Sullivan

Lauri Korpikoski -- Antoine Vermette -- David Moss

Raffi Torres -- Boyd Gordon -- Nick Johnson

Keith Yandle – Derek Morris

Zbynek Michalek – Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Michael Stone –Rostislav Klesla

Mike Smith

Jason LaBarbera

Scratches: David Rundblad, Chris Summers

Injured: David Schlemko (shoulder), Radim Vrbata (lower body)

BLUES

Jaden Schwartz -- David Backes -- T.J. Oshie

David Perron -- Patrik Berglund -- Chris Stewart

Chris Porter -- Vladimir Sobotka -- Matt D'Agostini

Adam Cracknell -- Scott Nichol -- Ryan Reaves

Barret Jackman – Alex Pietrangelo

Kris Russell – Roman Polak

Ian Cole – Kevin Shattenkirk

Jake Allen

Brian Elliott

Scratches: Andrew Murray, Wade Redden

Injured: Andy McDonald, Jason Arnott, Alex Steen, Jamie Langenbrunner