Phoenix Coyotes activate goalie Smith, assign backup McElhinney to minors

GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Phoenix Coyotes activated goaltender Mike Smith off injured reserve Tuesday and sent backup Curtis McElhinney back to their minor-league affiliate in Portland, Maine.

Smith missed six games after sustaining a lower-body injury Dec. 20 at Florida.

In 28 games this season, Smith has a 15-10-3 record with two shutouts.

McElhinney has appeared in two games with the Coyotes. He got his first victory with Phoenix on Dec. 31 at Minnesota.