kickazz 5,459 Report post Posted April 12, 2015 Not sure I'd include Fedorov on that list. It took Sergei quite a while to learn the "Red Wing" way and learn the meaning of humble. He had a few cringe worthy moments his first few seasons. True. But by age 26 he was pretty much leading by example and representing the assist captn status. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wing-in-avs-town 123 Report post Posted April 12, 2015 I get that we are all really pissed about the bonehead penalty Smith had, But after all I have seen the past couple of seasons, Smith is better than Ericsson, Plus he's 5 years younger. Can't believe there hasn't been a "get rid of Ericsson" thread, because honestly, he makes many more bad decisions & takes bad penalties at bad times, than Smith does. Now, if they were both gone next season, I wouldn't lose any sleep. But I really don't see how everyone is throwing Smith under the bus, when IMHO, Ericsson is worse. 2 marcaractac and UP-Wings Fan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joesuffP 1,746 Report post Posted April 12, 2015 Ericsson is easily our 3rd sometimes 2nd best defensemen. Certainly miles better than Smith. I'd love to see how he would handle matching up against the leagues best night in night out Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kickazz 5,459 Report post Posted April 12, 2015 I get that we are all really pissed about the bonehead penalty Smith had, But after all I have seen the past couple of seasons, Smith is better than Ericsson, Plus he's 5 years younger. Can't believe there hasn't been a "get rid of Ericsson" thread, because honestly, he makes many more bad decisions & takes bad penalties at bad times, than Smith does. Now, if they were both gone next season, I wouldn't lose any sleep. But I really don't see how everyone is throwing Smith under the bus, when IMHO, Ericsson is worse. It's because Smith was the anticipated next best D man when drafted. A lot of people thought he would be the next Lidstrom. I actually read that type of comparison in many forums and was always skeptical about it. Now that people realize that it was wishful thinking they are upset that Smith let them down. Ericsson was never projected to be a superstar; his expectations arent as high as people had them for Smith. Either way they're both pretty bad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tr!PoD#19 524 Report post Posted April 12, 2015 Ericsson is easily our 3rd sometimes 2nd best defensemen. Certainly miles better than Smith. I'd love to see how he would handle matching up against the leagues best night in night out I wouldn't like to see that. Ever. 1 UP-Wings Fan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joesuffP 1,746 Report post Posted April 12, 2015 (edited) I wouldn't like to see that. Ever. people getting carried away with the Ericsson hate. He's actually been playing great lately Edited April 12, 2015 by joesuffP 1 themcityblues reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tr!PoD#19 524 Report post Posted April 12, 2015 people getting carried away with the Ericsson hate. He's actually been playing great lately Oh, I thought you were talking about Smith. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joesuffP 1,746 Report post Posted April 12, 2015 (edited) Oh, I thought you were talking about Smith. I was... My original post was referring to some saying Ericsson should sit instead of Smith Edited April 12, 2015 by joesuffP Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jesusberg 1,256 Report post Posted April 13, 2015 Doesn't really offer context, but if it was as a "joke"... You're sitting the first game of the playoffs. I guess it's funny, though? Bob Duff @asktheduffer Follow You can't make this stuff up - #RedWings Smith just played puck with his stick during practice while on the bench. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted April 13, 2015 Even if he was joking, Smith really is dense. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BottleOfSmoke 5,965 Report post Posted April 13, 2015 Immature and impulsive. He needs to really work on making better decisions on the ice, he really is his own worst enemy. He has all the physical abilities to be a solid defenseman, but MAN that brain gets in his way every time. 1 Hockeymom1960 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joesuffP 1,746 Report post Posted April 13, 2015 He can be the wings mascot next season Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
haroldsnepsts 4,826 Report post Posted April 13, 2015 Immature and impulsive. He needs to really work on making better decisions on the ice, he really is his own worst enemy. He has all the physical abilities to be a solid defenseman, but MAN that brain gets in his way every time. Agreed. Smith's problems seem to be between the ears. His decision making is suspect. And he's had enough experience where a lot of that should be going away. 2 BottleOfSmoke and reverb80 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrazekFanBoy 223 Report post Posted April 13, 2015 I never really noticed Smith when we went on those amazing runs in the beginning of the season Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lwing 68 Report post Posted April 13, 2015 Smith is always a wild card out there. He is just not that smart. What blew my mind is how he kept making excuses after the penalty when he gloved the puck. Anyone with half a brain would display no shortage of remorse and a willingness to get out and work their a$$ off to make up for the major screw up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kickazz 5,459 Report post Posted April 13, 2015 Just an all around immature player. Imo the leadership core could influence him and groom him up. Who knows. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nevermind 363 Report post Posted April 13, 2015 I honestly think the Wings didn't look enough into his character and (lack of) intelligence before they used a first round pick on him. While it's tough to get a totally accurate read on an 18 year-old kid from Combine interviews, talking to coaches, etc., I'm sure the signs of immaturity were already there before draft day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick zombo 3,739 Report post Posted April 13, 2015 Dumbest Wing since Aaron Ward. 1 Detroit \# 1 Fan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kickazz 5,459 Report post Posted April 13, 2015 I honestly think the Wings didn't look enough into his character and (lack of) intelligence before they used a first round pick on him. While it's tough to get a totally accurate read on an 18 year-old kid from Combine interviews, talking to coaches, etc., I'm sure the signs of immaturity were already there before draft day. Aye, Zetterberg was picked to be future captain when he started playing. Yzerman was predicted to be captain in his early few years as well. Wings management/scouts are pretty good at grooming future players since the get go. Seems like Smiith is an unfortunate exception to the rule. Of course there have been others in the past who have been pretty dumb as well. Well.. Maybe not as bad as Smith. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matt198913 932 Report post Posted April 13, 2015 Give the kid a break. Obviously he's not an idiot. Put up huge numbers in college and in AHL. Seems to play best when he plays a ton of minutes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kickazz 5,459 Report post Posted April 14, 2015 (edited) Give the kid a break. Obviously he's not an idiot. Put up huge numbers in college and in AHL. Seems to play best when he plays a ton of minutes. He's 26. Will be 27 next season. How much longer till he's no longer a kid? Zetterberg was 27 when he won his Stanley cup and nobody referred to him as a "kid". That's the reason people are unhappy with Smith.. How much longer can we make excuses for him? Besides, his college and AHL stats are meaningless if he can't work the NHL system. And that includes basic/smart decision while sitting on your bench. -___- Edited April 14, 2015 by kickazz 3 number9, arag and Jesusberg reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DatsyukianDekes 2,428 Report post Posted April 14, 2015 I honestly think the Wings didn't look enough into his character and (lack of) intelligence before they used a first round pick on him. While it's tough to get a totally accurate read on an 18 year-old kid from Combine interviews, talking to coaches, etc., I'm sure the signs of immaturity were already there before draft day. That's no excuse. He should of grown up by now. Sheahan did. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DickieDunn 2,571 Report post Posted April 14, 2015 I honestly think the Wings didn't look enough into his character and (lack of) intelligence before they used a first round pick on him. While it's tough to get a totally accurate read on an 18 year-old kid from Combine interviews, talking to coaches, etc., I'm sure the signs of immaturity were already there before draft day. Because most 18 year olds are mature 1 krsmith17 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nevermind 363 Report post Posted April 14, 2015 Because most 18 year olds are mature Most aren't first round NHL draft picks. There's a reason teams so often talk about character when touting their high profile draft selections. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mvanpop 98 Report post Posted April 14, 2015 That's no excuse. He should of grown up by now. Sheahan did. And remember who let him borrow their ID? 2 number9 and Ram reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
