Defenseman Brendan Smith won’t go as far as to suggest that his talents were under-utilized by Mike Babcock when he was coach of the Detroit Red Wings.
He’s willing to acknowledge that under Jeff Blashill, he’s being asked, and even more significantly, being allowed to make use of the gifts with which he’s been blessed.
“Should is a tough word,… Smith answered as to whether he would have been a more productive and positive player if he’d been allowed this sort of freedom under Babcock. “Could have possibly.
“For sure I feel more comfortable, so I like that. So in that sense I like where it is.…
Perhaps the biggest change in Smith’s game under the Jeff Blashill regime is that he’s being permitted to get more involved offensive and turn his powerful skating and offensive instincts into a weapon.
“I guess I’m a little more free in the sense that I can jump and attack,… Smith said. “I think I’ve been used to that.…
Instead of criticizing Babcock, Smith tips his cap in appreciation of what he learned from him in terms of the defensive side of the game.
“I’ve got to thank Babs a lot and Pete (Bill Peters) and those guys who were with me before to teach me a little bit more, how to defend first and it’s definitely helped my game,… Smith said. “Now that I’m meshing everything together I think it’s starting to help my game and I hope I can just continue to get better.…
It’s that ability to play a 200-foot game and to be a player who can be trusted that has enabled Smith to earn a regular spot on the Detroit blue-line.
“I think he’s managed the game the best he has (in his career),… Blashill said. “I think his decision-making has been the best it’s been on a consistent level. He’s taken what’s given, he’s not trying to force stuff that’s not there.…
The younger Smith, Detroit’s top pick in the 2007 NHL entry draft, wasn’t nearly as patient a player.
“I think when you’re a talented person like him you have a tendency at times to force things,… Blashill said. “He’s learned, I think, over the last month and a half, two months, to really take what’s given. It’s a big part of winning hockey at this level.…
The difference is showing up in raw numbers as well. Smith has posted 2-5-7 totals in his last 12 games, but is trying not to make his offensive production a big part of the discussion of his improved overall game.
Rather, he thinks it’s a development that’s come about due to his better all-around performance on the ice.
“I think I’ve talked about this before,… Smith said. “Right now the points are going in, but my game hasn’t really changed.
“I think I’ve gradually continued to get better defensively, making good reads and stuff. All of a sudden, they’re going in. I mean, that’s always a great feeling and it’s good for the team. But like I said, before, I mean, like a month ago, they weren’t going in.
“So, you can look at it either way, but right now I’m happy and I just want to keep … I guess my dad said, ‘ride the wave’ so that’s what I’m doing.…
Unless you’re talking about Bobby Orr or Paul Coffey, it’s never a good idea to base any assessment of a defenseman’s performance on the points that they are piling up.
Coaches certainly don’t view their decision-making on defenders via such numbers.
“I just think Brendan’s game has grown in general through consistency,… Blashill said. “I think night in and night out he’s a more consistent player than maybe he was earlier in the year and maybe he was in previous years. He’s managed his game well.
“He’s taking what’s given. He doesn’t force the puck maybe as much as he did earlier in his career. If there’s a play to be made he’ll make it. If not, he lives another day.
“That’s a big learning lesson for young defenseman with a lot of talent so it’s been a good step for Brendan.…
Marchenko Out The Wings will go back to six defenseman and 12 forwards for Thursday’s game at Arizona against the Coyotes and it’s Alexey Marchenko who will be scratched.
“As of this morning Alexey Marchenko will be out,… Blashill said. “I’d say certainly not because of his play. All seven played good enough to stay in. One has to come out.
“We looked at numbers of factors. We certainly feel comfortable putting Alexey in and that might be the case the next game. This isn’t long-term, this is a day-to-day decision right now. The partners are one thing. We’ve liked some of the different partners.
“We just decided that this is the six that give us the best chance to win tomorrow night.…
Petr Mrazek will get the start in goal.
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