Reilly Smith only needed three games to silence his critics for good

Reilly Smith has been called everything by hockey fans. He's known as an Original Misfit by Vegas Golden Knights fans. He's also gotten all sorts of expletives from opposing fans and even Golden Knights fans whenever he's slumping. He's even been called a teacher.

But you can bet that there were plenty of expletives thrown around when he finished October with just one goal and one assist. Fans were worried that his tenure was turning sour, leaving them wondering if he needed to retire.

"JUST RETIRE, REILLY!"

"Unc doesn't have it anymore."

Well, it appears that this isn't the case.

While the Golden Knights have struggled in November, Smith has done the opposite, specifically in the last three games. The 34-year-old has two goals and two assists in that span, fetching Vegas at least one point in all but one contest. (which was a win). But that's not all that he's doing, though.

The Misfit is also converting on special teams, getting a goal in Sunday's overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild. He got a power play goal that tied the game, giving Vegas a point in the process. Suddenly, that narrative has been turned on its head, signaling a resurgence for the winger.

The secret to Reilly Smith turning it around for the Vegas Golden Knights

Going to the Golden Knights practices, I've noticed a couple of things about Smith. First, he's always one of the first players, if not the first, on the ice. That speaks to the dedication that Smith has to his game, showing up to improve every day.

Speaking of which, he has a set routine that he does whenever he practices. It doesn't matter if the Misfit's in a slump or is redhot. He's always focusing on his fundamentals, including his puckhandling. That has led to moments like this goal, where he tied the game on Sunday.

As the legendary Rick Jeanneret once said, "Top shelf where Mama hides the cookies!"

But that's the point. Smith has gone back to basics, turning his body and focusing his attention on Filip Gustavsson's blind spot. In turn, that would be the point-clinching goal and Golden Knights fans aren't as sullen.

For Smith, the objective is simple. Go back to perfecting the little things that matter. It doesn't matter if it's his skating or if it's doing his puckhandling routine during practice. These little things can leading to greater things for Smith, such as a sudden resurgence.

But it isn't just getting the fundamentals right. He's also been a strong special teams player in William Karlsson's absence, getting juicy opportunities on both the power play and the penalty kill. He has a surprisingly good range that makes the "power kill" happen, turning him into a lethal force.

Smith's re-emergence has been helpful for the Golden Knights regarding depth scoring. Watching veteran players like Brandon Saad struggle with Smith has been painful to watch. But it seems like class is in session and the 34-year-old is leading the lesson.

Get your textbooks out and turn to page 19, class. It's all about how to rebound from the skeptics.