Speculation: Player Discussion: Will Smith

[vortexy]

Unfortunately Smith's point streak ends tonight but he honestly could have had 2-3 points tonight and this was definitely one of his best games of the year. The kid is growing and developing in front of our eyes and it's such a treat to watch. I am glad he is getting time on PP1 now and man when he is feeling he sure is fun to watch!

Loved this play he made that set up Poturalski who almost scored first NHL goal, imagine if it went in!

 

[DG93]

He's gaining confidence with every game too, which is great. I think Smith will be just fine.

 

[coooldude]

I'm still convinced that Zetts backhand went in. Not sure if Smith would have gotten the secondary but he made that sequence.

Kid's looking better. Granted, they gave him all kinds of space today, but he made the most of it. Can't believe Macklin didn't bury that one on the doorstep.

 

[Lebanezer]

Unfortunately Smith's point streak ends tonight but he honestly could have had 2-3 points tonight and this was definitely one of his best games of the year. The kid is growing and developing in front of our eyes and it's such a treat to watch. I am glad he is getting time on PP1 now and man when he is feeling he sure is fun to watch!

Loved this play he made that set up Poturalski who almost scored first NHL goal, imagine if it went in!

Almost got Poturalski his Bryan Lerg moment.

 

[gaucholoco3]

I thought going into the season that Smith was the best PPQB on the Sharks and he surely vindicated that thought today. Granlund always wanted to play catch with Walman where Smith is looking to hit the cross ice seem pass which pairs so well with Celebrini on the opposite wing.

Also that first PP goal was a thing of beauty and all a result of Smith controlling the play. Even Drew said nice things about him.

 

[coooldude]

I thought going into the season that Smith was the best PPQB on the Sharks and he surely vindicated that thought today. Granlund always wanted to play catch with Walman where Smith is looking to hit the cross ice seem pass which pairs so well with Celebrini on the opposite wing.

Also that first PP goal was a thing of beauty and all a result of Smith controlling the play. Even Drew said nice things about him.

I think he wasn't calibrated to the speed of defenders early in the season. Lots of times, the one shot the PP 2 had to enter zone and set up was tanked by Smith losing the puck on entry or trying to force a pass. Now that he's a bit more calibrated he knows when he needs to move it and when he can slow down.. Looked a lot better yesterday.

 

[gaucholoco3]

I think he wasn't calibrated to the speed of defenders early in the season. Lots of times, the one shot the PP 2 had to enter zone and set up was tanked by Smith losing the puck on entry or trying to force a pass. Now that he's a bit more calibrated he knows when he needs to move it and when he can slow down.. Looked a lot better yesterday.

It is also a lot easier to bring the puck into the zone with Celebrini and Eklund than Kunin and Zetterlund on the second unit. That said I do agree that Smith himself was fighting the puck earlier in the year even when set up in the zone. It’s why it was so nice to see how well he controlled the entire power play and freed Celebrini to not have to play make from the half wall.

 

[CHALUPA]

Makes sense that Smith had such a great game since he was on a line with Poturalski. Had some real AHL chemistry.

 

[Hodge]

He has a bit of Panarin in his game.