Forward Reilly Smith performed masterfully over the Vegas Golden Knights’ last several games, and he’s officially been named one of the NHL’s stars of the week for his efforts.
Smith is coming off arguably his best stretch of the season. In four games, the 26-year-old winger scored four goals and also picked up an assist, helping to propel the Golden Knights to three wins in those four contests.
His best performance of the week came Sunday against the Washington Capitals, when he scored two goals (both of which tied the game) to help Vegas pick up their 35th win of the season in the nation’s capital.
However, his most impressive play of the week (and maybe the season) came against the Winnipeg Jets Thursday. While shorthanded, Smith laid an open-ice hit on Jets captain Blake Wheeler, picked up the loose puck, raced toward Connor Hellebuyck and beat him glove side to shift the game’s momentum in Vegas’ favor.
Reilly Smith scores a shorty to tie the game up 1-1! Fantastic defensive play to get it started. pic.twitter.com/GhYrVZhwQX
— Ryan Quigley (@RP_Quigs) February 2, 2018
With 30 regular season games still to be played, Smith is on pace to set a new career high in points (and possibly assists and goals if he keeps up this hot streak). Not bad for a guy who the Florida Panthers traded for a fourth-round pick this offseason!