Brendan Smith and John Marino will once again be a pair tonight on the blueline, it's a pairing that has been together all through camp whether it's been in practice or in preseason games.
For a veteran like Smith, this is the first time he feels he's been with on D-partner for an entire camp and it's something he's been relishing.
"I'm happy about it," Smith said after the morning skate, "In previous years I've kind of bounced around with other defensive partners trying to figure out that camaraderie. I've been happy (playing) with Johnny for the whole camp. We just want to keep building, getting better, and I feel the better that we are together, the longer we will stay together."
The two are finding their rhythm together and beginning to mesh their different styles of play.
"I love that he moves his feet, I mean, speed kills," Smith continued, "The area that I'm probably most impressed with is the way he defends without the puck. And he's there and willing, and wants to do that. I really like that he takes care of defense first and then you go play your offense. You earn your offense that way."
