Coyotes goalie Mike Smith wondered if he’d actually earned the recognition.
That was his initial thought, when he was told he’d be starring in his first All-Star Game on Sunday at Staples Center in Los Angeles as the team’s lone representative.
Do I really deserve it this year?
His .917 save percentage ranks 23rd, while the 2.85 goals-against average he carries sits 39th. Only seven netminders have suffered more than his 18 combined losses – 13 in regulation and five in extra time – and 28 have surpassed his 11 wins.