Tippett hopeful of Mike Smith's return before season's end

Coyotes coach Dave Tippett says he expects goaltender Mike Smith to play again before the season ends.

Smith, out since Dec. 8 with a core muscle injury, is traveling with the team and skating with his teammates.

"He continues to practice and everyday he gets stronger and stronger," Tippett said. "It's just a matter of when he thinks, and we think, he's capable of getting in there and doing the job.

"I think that's very realistic, but we're not going to put him in a bad situation."

The Coyotes have 15 games remaining.