The Edmonton Oilers activated goaltender Mike Smith from injured reserve on Monday and placed goalie Mikko Koskinen in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol after announcing that the latter tested positive for the virus.
Smith, who was in the starter’s net for Edmonton’s first practice after the All-Star break, hasn’t played since Jan. 5 because of a partially torn thumb tendon. He spent more than two months on injured reserve earlier in the season with a lower-body injury, then played three games before injuring his thumb.
Smith, who turns 40 on March 22, is 2-2-1 this season with a 3.76 goals-against average and an .898 save percentage.
“We’d like to see him stay healthy, without a question,” coach Dave Tippett said. “That’s a big factor for it, but he’s ready to go. He was ready last week and we decided to give him the break to get through it. He had a good practice (Monday), and he will be ready to go.”
Koskinen carried most of the goaltending load this season while Smith was sidelined. He is 16-8-2 with a 3.15 GAA and a .900 save percentage, but he is 4-0-1 in his past five starts.
The Oilers are 23-16-3, fifth in the Pacific Division, as they prepare to resume play after the break with home games against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday and the New York Islanders on Friday.
–Field Level Media