Avon’s Ben Smith (28) of the Chicago Blackhawks digs out the puck from behind the net in Wednesday’s Game 4. (Photo courtesy Chicago Blackhawks via Facebook)
The versatility of Avon’s Ben Smith has helped him get plenty of playing time in the opening round of the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs with the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks.
A year ago, Smith was a practice squad player standing ready. This year, he is in the middle of the action whether it is a right wing on the fourth line or a center on the second line with Patrick Sharp and Marion Hossa. Sometimes, he gets to center between Sharp and the talented Patrick Kane.
On Wednesday night, he was right in the middle of the action. He had two good scoring opportunities in overtime and he fed Kane, who went the length of the ice for the game-winning goal in Chicago’s 4-3 OT decision over the St. Louis Blues. And Smith was right there on the doorstep of the crease, looking for any potential rebound off Blues goalie Ryan Miller.
“It’s a great asset (versatility) to have as a player,” Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville told Comcast SportsNet Chicago. “You get more quality ice time and you have a longer career because you have more opportunities. He’s done a nice job.”
Game 5 is Friday night at 8 p.m. More from ESPN Chicago.com.
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