LAS VEGAS — Zack Smith played 12:40 in the Blackhawks’ win against the Maple Leafs, his most playing time since coming over from the Senators in a summer trade.
That came just three days after he played 11:57 against the Canucks, his third-most time this season. And his presence in the lineup tonight against the Golden Knights will mark his fourth straight game without being scratched, his most consistent stint since the first four games of the season.
All of that shows that the gritty 31-year-old veteran is finally finding his place on the Hawks, and he couldn’t be more relieved.
“Between me and the coaching staff, we were trying to figure out where I fit,” he said. “I feel a lot more comfortable the last few games, getting more ice time and playing some different situations. I’m getting some confidence and playing a lot better. I wasn’t very happy with how my camp went, so to make little strides every game is what I’m focusing on.”
Smith had previously played all 11 of his NHL seasons in Ottawa and was a somewhat substantial contributor there, scoring 25 goals as recently as 2015-16 and setting a career high with 19 assists last season.
So the fact he’s yet to tally his first Hawks point in 10 appearances entering Wednesday is surprising, even though his legs are undeniably slowing down. But Smith said that’s not what the Hawks are asking from him.
“They weren’t bringing me in to score goals — they’ve got a lot of guys to do that, it’s not an issue here,” he said. “But the defensive part of the game for sure is what I need to bring every night, and to be consistent doing it. That’s where I fit in.”
Colliton has regularly deployed Smith in difficult situations in the defensive zone, and he’s done an excellent job keeping opponents to the perimeter. Only 40.4 percent of opponent shot attempts have turned into scoring chances when Smith is on the ice, the best rate on the team.
And there are signs the offense could soon come, too. After recording just three shots on goal in first seven games, Smith had six in the three-game stretch against the Canucks, Penguins and Leafs.
“Would I have rather just jumped right into it? Yeah,” he said. “But my game had a little bit of work to do to it before I deserved that consistent ice time.”
Murphy likely to return Saturday
The Hawks could get a huge boost Saturday against the Predators if Connor Murphy returns from his groin injury.
Murphy will be eligible to be activated from his stint on long-term injured reserve, and Colliton said Wednesday that the chances of that happening “look good.” He’s been practicing fully for the past week and is traveling on this two-game trip.
The 26-year-old defenseman was playing arguably the best hockey of his career, forming one-half of a stellar top pair with Duncan Keith, before the injury cost him the Hawks’ last 11 games.
He was beaming after practice Tuesday while talking about his long-awaited — and now imminent — return.
“Any time you get hurt and you have to miss any games at all, it’s hard,” he said. “Especially when you want to have a strong start to the year...and roll for a whole season. But it’s in the past.”
