Blackhawks veteran stands out in preseason loss to Red Wings

The preseason is usually when rookies shine, trying to make an impact to show they belong in the NHL. But for the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night it was Craig Smith who stole the show.

The Blackhawks lost 4-2 at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings last night. While the exhibition game might not hold a lot of weight, there were still some positive takeaways, like the play of Smith.

Smith, 35, signed with the Blackhawks this offseason after trying to chase a Stanley Cup with Dallas last year.

In his preseason debut with the Blackhawks, Smith registered a goal during the loss. While the Hawks might have played a sloppy game, Smith was a bright spot registering five shots on goal and getting a handful of offensive scoring chances throughout the night.

Craig Smith scores the first #Blackhawks goal of the preseason. Great setup by Ryan Donato as well.pic.twitter.com/MezZ1oddHa

— Jim Lynch (@JimRLynch) September 26, 2024

Smith collected his own rebound off the rush and scored a tough backhand goal to put the Blackhawks on the board on Wednesday. Ryan Donato’s pass to set up Smith’s goal against the Red Wings is just as special.

“He has some really good reads,” Smith said of Donato after the game. “I thought he played well. You can tell just by playing with him, we might have found a little bit of chemistry here and there, and especially on that pass.”

While Smith doesn’t have to worry about ending up in Rockford or making the team out of training camp, he was still excited to have gotten on the board early to start the preseason.

“That’s a good starting point,” he said. “Obviously there’s a lot to work on. Good, we’ve got a lot of time and that’s what these games are for. We will continue to get to know each other a little bit better.”

Full interview with Smith:

Smith played alongside Donato and AJ Spellacy last night. Spellacy has had a camp to remember. The 2024 third round pick has become a fan favorite in a short time. While he will be heading to his junior team in the OHL sooner rather then later, Spellacy has shown he could be in the NHL in a few seasons.

Smith enjoyed playing with the speedy physical forward on Wednesday.

“I was excited to play with him tonight,” Smith said of Spellacy. “He’s got great legs. He’s got some good instincts, I like to see him shoot the puck I think he’s got a great shot. It was fun to play with him tonight.”

Smith has played in 928 NHL games over his 13 year NHL career. The Nashville Predators drafted Smith in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Draft.

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