Juraj Slafkovsky’s latest concern makes Canadiens’ playoff reality feel much more fragile
Photo credit: © David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Juraj Slafkovsky's post-Hagel scare has Montreal Canadiens playoff hopes feeling suddenly fragile.
Slafkovsky has not looked fully settled since Brandon Hagel dropped him in Game 2.
Slafkovsky already had 30-43-73 this season, and Montreal needs that top-six force driving play, not chasing emotion.
In Game 4, the bigger concern came late in the second period. Max Crozier caught Slafkovsky in open ice, then Tampa Bay scored seconds later.
That sequence changed the whole bench.
"The guy isn't in his right mind and isn't at his best.
On Sunday night, we saw a guy who didn't protect himself, something he'd been doing perfectly for the past two years.
I'm worried about the state he's been in since Hagel's right-hand break."
On Sunday night, we saw a guy who didn't protect himself, something he'd been doing perfectly for the past two years.
I'm worried about the state he's been in since Hagel's right-hand break."
Juraj Slafkovsky Puts Montreal Canadiens Under Pressure
Fans are right to feel nervous because this is no longer just a bad shift or one ugly hit.
The Canadiens are tied 2-2 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Game 5 on Wednesday now feels heavier than it should.
Slafkovsky has 3-0-3 in these playoffs, but all three goals came in Game 1.
Since then, Tampa has dragged him into traffic, baited reactions, and forced him to defend his space instead of owning the wall.
That hurts Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield too.
When Slafkovsky controls the boards, Montreal's man advantage gets cleaner entries and more second chances near the crease.
When he hesitates, the whole attack gets thinner.
Martin St. Louis may need to simplify Slafkovsky's reads, keep him away from pointless scrums, and make Tampa defend his body below the dots.
Montreal cannot afford a pride series from him.
They need a power series.
If Slafkovsky resets in Game 5, the Canadiens still have a path. If he keeps absorbing moments instead of dictating them, Tampa will squeeze harder.
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