Edmonton Oilers: Mike Smith suffers setback, leaves roadtrip

After skating in practice in back-to-back days, it appeared that Edmonton Oilers goalie Mike Smith was on track to return to the lineup. However, he has reportedly suffered a setback with his leg injury and will return to Edmonton.

Smith traveled with the club on their five-game roadrip, with Stuart Skinner getting the first start against the Red Wings on Tuesday.

“It is a concern for sure. It looks like he takes some steps ahead, but then he takes another step back. They will do more imaging of it today (back in Edmonton),” Oilers head coach Dave Tippett said.

As the tweet indicates, Mikko Koskinen will get the start against the Boston Bruins tonight. The 33-year-old will be making his first career start against the B’s.

Skinner could potentially see another start in net before this roadtrip is over, with Mike Smith’s timetable to return now further in question. He allowed three goals on 38 shots faced against Detroit. He had a blunder in the second period, but overall, he was pleased with his performance.

“For me, I felt like I belonged,” he added. “I think that’s huge. Playing my first game was a little shaky. After this game, I feel a lot better about my game. I’ve been preparing for this for quite some time now. I felt like I was game-ready. I think that was a huge help going into my second NHL start.”

Smith made three starts this season prior to the injury, collecting a .920 SV% and 3.08 GAA. Last season, the 39-year-old finished seventh in the Vezina Trophy voting, posting a 21-6-2 record to go along with a .923 SV% and 2.31 GAA in 32 games, including 30 starts. He recorded three shutouts and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension in the offseason.

The Oilers and Bruins get underway from the TD Garden with puck drop set for 5 pm MT.