Nashville Predators: December may have Predators saying ‘Merry Smithmas’

Craig Smith Thrives On Confidence

You could assert that most players play more confidently when they are scoring goals and contributing points. However, no Predator since Playoff Colin Wilson has seemed to do it quite like Craig Smith.

During the Predators’ match against Vancouver, Craig Smith had a whale of a second period. Consider this goal:

Smith races the back-checking Canucks, beats them to the puck and has the confidence to slip home a crafty back-hand, point-blank shot. The normal Craig Smith just shoots that from the top of the circle. This Craig Smith truly believes he will score, which is absolutely terrifying for opposing goaltenders. He just waltzes right in!

The rest of the night went just like this. Smith recorded a goal, an assist and six shots in 15:48 of ice time. Those are fantastic numbers, especially when the Predators have so many other contributors.

When Smith plays confidently, he plays like a dynamic, first line winger. Nobody beats him to the puck. Nobody can slow him down as he goes to the net. This isn’t just being in the right place at the right time, but fighting for every inch and out-working every opposing player.

During the month of December, Smith will continue to elevate his game, playing confidently and skillfully.