Gemel Smith has heart and effort and speed, and that combined should be a good thing. However, coach Ken Hitchcock said the young forward has to be watched closely, because so much of Smith's game derives from "want to."
"It's all based on energy," Hitchcock said. "When his energy is up, he's a good player. When his energy is down, he struggles. When we see the energy drop, we pull him out and give him a rest."
Smith has played in 15 of the past 16 games, but Hitchcock said taking Smith out for one game against New Jersey proved to be educational.