As Smith predicted, the only silver lining to come of Larsson's injury was the breakthrough performances of several young defencemen, including Ethan Bear and Caleb Jones, who helped maintain Edmonton's postseason bid until Larsson's health would allow him back on the blueline.
For Oilers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Ken Holland, it proved to become a team rallying point and served to cultivate the squad's confidence.
"It's about depth and people stepping in when given the opportunity. When you're healthy, they know their role is to be ready to support their teammates," Holland said of his player personnel at the 26-game mark of the season when the Oilers owned a 16-7-3 record.
"Finding ways to win; it can't always be pretty. I think every time you can find a way to win, the belief grows. The confidence grows. Going into a game and believing your best is good enough to win, I think that we're in the process of developing that."
Larsson replaced the knee scooter for skates on Nov. 21 in Los Angeles, getting back up and running against the Kings. The 27-year-old re-emerged amid rampant club success, and was thrilled to see how much progress the team had made in such a short period - without a defensive pillar on the back end, to boot.
"It's been very impressive," Larsson said. "Our top two guys have been outstanding, Bearsy coming in and being outstanding, and I think a lot of the guys that were here last year have been stepping it up very much. Pretty much every aspect of the game has been better."
The Oilers alternate captain was initially intended to form a shutdown pair alongside Darnell Nurse at the beginning of the season but found himself beside Kris Russell in his first game back.
But it wouldn't be long until Oilers Head Coach Dave Tippett would pair Larsson with good friend and compatriot Oscar Klefbom, as the two shared over 500 minutes of ice together during '19-20.
At the time of the NHL pause, Larsson had suited up in 49 games, accruing one goal and five assists as a playoff opportunity appeared to be in the making. And players of Larsson's ilk, who are unafraid to risk their own well-being for the benefit of the club, are required in long postseason runs.
Net protectors like Smith know that.
"He's one of those guys that are willing to eat a puck to keep it out of your net and that commitment level is contagious, as far as I'm concerned," Smith said.
"That shows great leadership and wears off on other players around him."
