Smyth in top form

If you’ve heard Dean Lombardi speak at any length, you’re probably aware that he’s prone to making grand statements that can carry a bit of hyperbole, particularly when he’s excited about something. So it was interesting, at the start of training camp, to hear Lombardi say that Ryan Smyth had showed up for camp “in the best shape of his life.”

It’s not a surprise that Smyth would be in shape, but it would be saying something for a 34-year-old player, one who already has four 30-goal seasons under his belt, to put such a huge focus on conditioning. When I asked Smyth today if that was true, or if Lombardi was embellishing a bit, Smyth laughed.

“Well, I don’t know if he knows how good of shape I’ve been in before, but I feel good,” Smyth said. “I tried some different tactics this year in working out with Tim (Adams), our strength and conditioning coach. I feel a little stronger and hopefully that can be duplicated on the ice.”

It is natural, in a way, that Smyth would start to put extra emphasis on conditioning. It’s not that 34 is old, but it is an age at which athletes’ bodies — especially those who have already put in 15 NHL seasons — don’t always respond the way they used to, particularly deeper into the season.

“All of us, nowadays, the emphasis is the core [muscles], strengthening from the core on out,” Smyth said. “It’s not that I didn’t do core before. I just put a little more emphasis on core, to give me that strength and stability. I think I really worked on my legs this summer, and I think it’s going to benefit me.”

As he did last season, Smyth will start out this season as the Kings’ first-line left winger. He totaled 22 goals and 31 assists last season despite missing 15 games with injury, and Smyth’s presence was one of the major factors credited for Anze Kopitar’s breakout season. This season, Kopitar and Smyth will skate with team captain Dustin Brown.

“I think we’ve got to keep the communication lines open, on and off the ice, whether it’s on the bench or during a stoppage in play,” Smyth said. “We have a good feel for each other on the ice, and I think it goes a long way when you communicate. If the shot is there, take it, or if not, see what options are available. Good close support, good transition. I think we’ve got a good mix. We played together a little bit last year and hopefully we can carry some momentum, since Kopi and I played together most of the year last year. Hopefully the three of us can work well together.”

At his best, Brown plays a power-forward role that has the potential to open space for both Kopitar and Smyth. Last season, Kopitar, Smyth and Justin Williams formed a highly successful line, at least when all three are healthy, but Smyth said Brown will be a good fit as well.

“I think Brownie brings a lot,” Smyth said. “Obviously his net drive, his shot. That opens up a lot, and he’s not afraid to muck it up in the corners. He’s also not afraid to be the third guy high, to be available for that shot too. It’s a good mix. We’ve got guys at the net. Kopi is not afraid to go to the net either. But being a rover, and supporting, is huge in the cycle game, and I think we’ve got a good cycle.”

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