Buffalo, N.Y. — Maybe Brendan Smith is finally getting it.
Maybe Smith, the 2007 first-round draft pick who had a rollercoaster existence under former coach Mike Babcock, has finally learned — or is at least learning — how to be the stable NHL defenseman some analysts wondered he’d ever become.
This is now Smith’s fifth season, and at age 26 (he’ll be 27 next month), Smith is playing some of the better hockey of his NHL career.
Saturday’s 4-3 victory in Buffalo was the latest example.
Smith had an assist, he and defensive partner Mike Green were a team best plus-2, and in 17 minutes 30 seconds of ice time, Smith was credited with one hit, blocked shot and takeaway, and only one giveaway.