Will Smith is having a terrific second season in the NHL for the San Jose Sharks, but the most important games of his career are right now.<\/p>\n
Smith, 20, has 17 goals and 22 assists in 42 games. After dealing with a shoulder injury, the Sharks winger finished the final games before the Olympic break strongly. Smith scored six points (three goals, three assists) during the San Jose Sharks\u2019 five-game road trip before the break.<\/p>\n
With the break over, Smith talked to reporters about what he did and his goals for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was good. I thought about watching [the Super Bowl] here and going to the game, but I ended up just going back to Boston,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWatching with my buddies and my family, so just spent some time there.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Sharks winger wasn\u2019t asked about the 2026 Beanpot tournament, but likely celebrated as his Boston College Eagles defeated Macklin Celebrini\u2019s<\/a> Boston University 6-2. Smith told reporters he used the time to reset his mind and continue working on getting stronger.<\/p>\n \u201cYou just want to get off to a good start as a team, and [for] myself just make sure you\u2019re ready to go [for the] first game against Calgary. The standings are really tight right now, so we know we need to be good,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of goals I have for myself. Getting stronger. Getting faster, and I think that\u2019s going to come. Still about to be 21, but still get bigger and still add some weight.\u201d<\/p>\n Smith agreed with his head coach, stating that the Olympic break came at a good time for the San Jose Sharks. However, Smith said the itch of wanting to get back to playing has been growing as the first day of practice got closer.<\/p>\n \u201cTowards the end, you want to kind of get back with the guys and start playing again,\u201d Smith said. \u201cIt\u2019s good to be back, and we\u2019re excited to get going again.\u201d<\/p>\n The Sharks started their final road trip strong with a big 5-2 win<\/a> over the Vancouver Canucks<\/a>. They would blow a 3-0 lead to the Edmonton Oilers<\/a> in their next game, and that appeared to really stop any momentum Team Teal had.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you look at those games, I\u2019m not sure how many of them we were leading in, but start off that Edmonton game up 3-0, and then that kind of starts that losing skid,\u201d Smith said. \u201cI think when we come out hot, or if we don\u2019t come out hot, we\u2019ve got to respond and make sure you\u2019re playing full 60 minutes instead of maybe 20 or 40.\u201d<\/p>\n Smith and the San Jose Sharks have a favorable home stretch out of the break, with six straight at home. This upcoming homestand will lead right into the NHL trade deadline<\/a> on March 6, and the results of each game will determine whether the Sharks are buyers or sellers.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve partnered with SWIFT Hockey!\u00a0The Swift Hockey mission is simple:\u00a0to make premium hockey sticks at the best possible price. We understand that hockey sticks are more than just a piece of equipment for players. They are an extension of themselves, a source of pride and confidence that they carry with them onto the ice. However, for many players, the cost of top-tier hockey equipment can be a barrier to entry, limiting their potential for success. At Swift Hockey, we\u2019re dedicated to helping players of all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels have access to superior quality hockey equipment that helps them perform at their peak. Our commitment to fair play doesn\u2019t stop there\u2014we proudly donate a portion of every Swift Hockey stick sale to support hockey programs and players in our underserved communities.<\/p>\n Use the link below to get 10% off your total order! Or use code REAL_MAX_MILLER at checkout.<\/p>\n