149 replies to this topic

[puckloo39]

It will be nice to have a Brendan on the ice again. I am excited to see where this kid can take it, we need a little spark out there some night.

[Rivalred]

Clear the zone and no turnovers --- ya do that, I am content.

[haroldsnepsts]

Clear the zone and no turnovers --- ya do that, I am content.

Honestly I think that's a lot to ask for the game he plays.

He's going to be carrying the puck a lot and trying to make nice outlet passes, not just chipping it up the glass like a stay at home bottom end guy would. So unfortunately that's gonna come with some painful turnovers as he adapts to the NHL game.

I definitely think he should keep it simple at first, but he's gonna make some mistakes as he stretches his game a bit. I just hope he lives up to the promise he shows already.


Pretty interesting quote from Babcock regarding Smith. I don't think he's always a fan of Holland's "over-ripe" philosophy.

“He came on the West Coast with us, he was good enough to play on the team at that point,'' coach Mike Babcock said. “We felt the minutes in the minors were important. We felt he’d be on the team by the end. We think he’s an NHL player. He could’ve probably played all year, probably could’ve played last year.
“What this gives us is an opportunity to give him some nurturing. Actually, if the truth be told, the coaching staff wanted him, the general manager wanted to make sure he got some seasoning.''

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2012/02/red_wings_anxious_to_see_brend.html

[Nev]

I don't think he's always a fan of Holland's "over-ripe" philosophy.

You're probably correct - I remember him saying Abdelkader and Leino (!) were the best players he'd ever sent down to the minors. But thats the difference between a coach and a GM - the coach wants the best possible team to win NOW, the GM must keep an eye on the next season, and the season after that, and the season after that...

[St. Michael (the Red Wing)]

Looking forward to seeing him play again. Let's see what he can do

[Echolalia]

I don't remember much of when Smith played for the Wings last. The one thing I remember is that he didn't carry himself like a rookie on the ice, and his head was up and constantly analyzing his surroundings. I don't remember much physicality from him though. Not sure where all those claims are coming from, unless he's been tough down in GR?

[newfy]

I don't remember much of when Smith played for the Wings last. The one thing I remember is that he didn't carry himself like a rookie on the ice, and his head was up and constantly analyzing his surroundings. I don't remember much physicality from him though. Not sure where all those claims are coming from, unless he's been tough down in GR?

His first fight in pro hockey, against an AHL goon that fights 25 times a year with years of experience after Smith was fresh outta the NCAA

http://www.nhlfightclub.com/videos/24780/brendan-smith-vs-antoine-roussel-dec-11-2011ahl-grand-rapids-griffins-vs-chicago-wolves.html

his latest fight against an experienced scrapper.

The wings finally have a guy who can play big minutes and play tough. He also throws some pretty big hits, watch him dish out some damage in the corners tonight youll notice it

[Red Wings Addict]

The wings finally have a guy who can play big minutes and play tough. He also throws some pretty big hits, watch him dish out some damage in the corners tonight youll notice it

Well you know just as well as anyone here about how that part of a player's game can get tamed when they start to play for the Red Wings. In terms of physicality, I expect him to be a little like Stuart with maybe a handful of fights throughout the year but the more they depend on him for big minutes the less he'll probably fight, for better or for worse.

[2probert4]

Well you know just as well as anyone here about how that part of a player's game can get tamed when they start to play for the Red Wings. In terms of physicality, I expect him to be a little like Stuart with maybe a handful of fights throughout the year but the more they depend on him for big minutes the less he'll probably fight, for better or for worse.

Im happy to see that he can handle himself if need be.... Most fights anymore happen when someone gets smoked (Kesler) and want to fight to save face. (Unless you're Kesler and wait until the refs have Kronwall by the jersey before issuing the challenge)

[matt198913]

What is the obsession with fighting? I like it when it's appropriate, but this kids a world class talent. Everything I've heard about him is that he's a potential franchise D men. He can score and take care of himself. There's no need to go looking for trouble though. Plays like Stuart and has a Kronwallian shot. Either way I'm excited to see him up, reminds me of when they brought E up a few years back.

[VM1138]

Hitting is an art and a risky one. If you miss you're out of position. I have a feeling that Smith won't be hitting too much until he gets comfortable with the NHL level of play. Once he figures out the basics he'll start hitting like he did in the AHL.

[F.Michael]

Nothing wrong with a guy standing up for himself, or a teammate - to be honest it's rather refreshing.

That said I don't need to see him fighting too often; he's too valuable, and there's alot of upside for him to risk injury.

[Red Wings Addict]

Nothing wrong with a guy standing up for himself, or a teammate - to be honest it's rather refreshing.

That said I don't need to see him fighting too often; he's too valuable, and there's alot of upside for him to risk injury.

Right now I feel like when it's all said and done he'll have averaged about 2-3 fights a year.

[Heroes of Hockeytown]

He was apparently one of only two Wings that decided to throw a hit last night.

I know stats for the home team are always inflated, but nothing could have prepared me for that.

[Nev]

Great quote from him last night on scoring his first NHL goal in front of his grandfather

"It was huge to have my grandfather here," Smith said. "I mean, when we were little kids, there are three of us and we only had two parents, so he had to jump in there and drive us. He’s always been there for us and he was the reason for us getting to practice a lot of times and games. He’s pretty much the third parent there for us … so he’s on Cloud Nine."

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros]

Nothing wrong with a guy standing up for himself, or a teammate - to be honest it's rather refreshing.

That said I don't need to see him fighting too often; he's too valuable, and there's alot of upside for him to risk injury.

I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do with the gloves off, but I'd rather see him focusing on other aspects of his game. Dropping the gloves a few times a year will be great though.

Anyone else think Smith could knock Kindl out of the rotation on the defense? And if he does, is Kindl getting wheeled out of town over the summer?

Edited by Bring Back The Bruise Bros, 03 March 2012 - 04:03 AM.

[F.Michael]

I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do with the gloves off, but I'd rather see him focusing on other aspects of his game. Dropping the gloves a few times a year will be great though.

Anyone else think Smith could knock Kindl out of the rotation on the defense? And if he does, is Kindl getting wheeled out of town over the summer?

Smith looked very much at ease last night, and yes I do think both Kindl, and Ericsson should be concerned.

[Ozzie30]

Smith can hold that Puck.in the offensive zone like no one but Lidstrom...

[redwingfan19]

missed the game last night but good to see smith got his first goal. kid is a beauty and is going to make people forget about ericsson.

[Konnan511]

The defense looks way better without Ericsson.