Red Wings Wrap-Up: Smith brings energy, physicality in third NHL season

Playing a physical brand of hockey was a focal point for the Detroit Red Wings throughout the 2021-22 season.

But after dropping consecutive games from Dec. 31-Jan. 2, captain Dylan Larkin realized the Red Wings weren't playing with the toughness needed to win games.
"I really felt when it's gotten physical, we've been mediocre," Larkin said after the Jan. 2 contest. "We need to have better pushback when it gets physical."
But on Jan. 6 against the San Jose Sharks, Givani Smith answered Larkin's call.
After dropping the gloves against Sharks defenseman Jacob Middleton at 18:16 of the first period, Smith delivered a big hit on Middleton later in the period. Both sequences brought the Little Caesars Arena crowd to its feet, helping spark Detroit en route to a 6-2 victory.
Smith embraced the physical component of his game this past season, leading to career-high marks in games played (46), goals (four) and points (seven).

"It's a game within a game,"
Smith said in Season 3 Episode 8 of The Winged Wheel.
"You got guys scoring goals and blocking shots. My role seems simple and it's just a tough, powerful role."
Smith signed a two-year contract with Detroit on Sept. 14, 2021 after splitting his third professional campaign between the Red Wings and the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins in 2020-21.
Looking to build off his second NHL campaign, the Toronto native showed flashes of potential in his third season with the Red Wings. In particular, he had a goal and an assist in just 7:57 of ice time on Dec. 4 against the New York Islanders.

"He plays hard," Pius Suter said. "It's fun to watch when he gets in those fights."
According to Smith, understanding his value contributes to the Red Wings' overall success.
"Everyone knows their role," he said. "We had a talk in the beginning (of the season) just about who you are and what you can do for the team. I think guys are doing just that."
On Feb. 14, Givani fulfilled a childhood dream when his brother Gemel Smith - who Detroit claimed on Jan. 19 - took the ice with him against the Minnesota Wild, marking the first time the siblings ever played in a game for the same team.
The Red Wings waived Gemel Smith on Feb. 18 due to a logjam at the forward position. Less than 24 hours later, he was claimed by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

While their time in Detroit was brief, Gemel Smith had nothing but praise for his younger brother.
"He's a power forward, big and strong," Gemel Smith said about his brother on Jan. 21. "He can get in a guy's face and take it hard to the net. He's got a good shot."