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Smaby 'Light Years' Ahead Of Last Year

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 22, 2009

TAMPA - Anybody looking for Lightning defenseman Matt Smaby these days needs to keep their ears open.

The presence of the 24-year-old is noticeable from around just about any corner as he maneuvers his way around the locker room with a thump-click ... thump-click ... thump-click in his step.

For about the past two weeks, when Smaby isn't wearing his skates he straps a protective walking boot on his right foot to help stabilize an ankle injury that requires constant treatment. He uses an ice compression machine as often as he can throughout the day to control the swelling and numb the injury before games while using a special stimulator five times a day to promote healing.

On a scale of one to 10, Smaby said his pain factor is "always above a five" but sometimes "it does go off the 10 chart." Yet, knowing the Lightning defense is running out of healthy bodies, Smaby is there every game night lacing up his skates and putting on his pads ready for action.

"I think it says a lot for his character," associate coach Mike Sullivan said. "He knows we're banged up at that position and that we need guys to step up and he wants to be that guy. He's been playing through a lot of bumps and bruises and that goes a long way for the coaching staff as far as what players are willing to play through in order to help the team."

Ironically, Smaby said having his foot in a skate is more comfortable than walking, which is why he is able to continue to play even if taking his skate boot off at the end of the night proves difficult. In fact, one could argue that Smaby has been the team's best defenseman the past week and his ice time reflects his play. In the past three games he's been above the 20-minute mark, including a career-high 23:30 in Friday's game at Carolina.

"I think it's been great just to see a whole bunch of different situations and to play against some of the best players," Smaby said. "And the more I get out there the more comfortable I feel; it's not relaxed, but I kind of slow myself down a little bit and try to pace my game."

His improved play has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff, particularly Sullivan, who also ran the defense last season when Smaby received limited time in 14 games.

"I think he's light years ahead of where he was a year ago at this time," Sullivan said. "For me, I thought last year he had a hard time competing in this league. And now I think he's established himself as someone that can be a serviceable defenseman.

"I think he's really established himself as a guy who can help our defense corps. I think he gets better and better each game and he gets a little bit more confident. I think he feels like he belongs and that's important to a player."

Lightning interim coach Rick Tocchet said Smaby is a different player even from training camp. The former University of North Dakota defenseman was called up twice in the early part of the season but appeared in only two games. As the injuries on defense piled up, however, he returned for good Dec. 27. As he continues to improve, the former second-round pick may be around for good this time.

"There's a few things he has to work on this summer but as far as closing on people and blocking shots, he's one of our better defensemen in that category and we need that," Tocchet said. "We need people who can block shots. We need people who can close on people and get a little aggressive. He stands people up at the blue line and hits.

"His development has been great."

GRATTON GONE: Veteran forward Chris Gratton was claimed off re-entry waivers by Columbus on Saturday and will join the Blue Jackets. Gratton, 33, had three goals and 15 points in 24 games with Norfolk. Because he was picked up on recall waivers, Tampa Bay is responsible for half his remaining salary this season.

Reporter Erik Erlendsson can be reached at (813) 259-7835.

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