David Quinn sets expectations for slumping Brendan Smith

Brendan SmithCOLUMBUS, Ohio — It was already a short leash for Brendan Smith. But another difficult performance Friday night in Detroit hardly helped.

So the veteran defenseman was made a healthy scratch for the second leg of this road back-to-back, a 5-4 shootout win over the Blue Jackets on Saturday night. It was the first time this season head coach David Quinn scratched Smith after the two had talked about his slipping game before Friday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Red Wings in Detroit.

“Listen, he’s a really good player. Got off to a great start. He’s hit a little bit of a rough patch,” Quinn said. “We’ve got defensemen — as I’ve talked about — we feel confident with all eight. Sometimes…