Juraj Slafkovsky’s eyes light up as he describes the Bell Center crowd. For his first two games in Montreal, the rookie had two wins; 4-3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs and 3-2 in overtime against the Penguins.
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“The atmosphere was crazy when Cole Caufield— scored the tying goal late in the third period,” he told a handful of reporters on Tuesday. I had chills when the host announced his goal. And it was even louder after the winning goal of [Kirby] Dash. »
“I have no choice now, I will have to score my first NHL goal in Montreal,” he continued, bursting out laughing. I want to know this feeling. »
The top of the class in the most recent draft still hasn’t put his name on the score sheet after four games. He fired a single shot on goal, he hit a post against the Capitals in Washington and he got a very modest playing time with an average of 10 min 41 s per game.
fight for your place
Used on the left wing of the Canadiens’ fourth line with Jake Evans and Mike Hoffman during the visit to the Pittsburgh club, — Slafkovsky does not find himself in completely unfamiliar territory in a more limited role.
“Yes, it’s a challenge, but I had this experience last year when I started with the TPS team. [Turku, en Finlande], he recalled. I wasn’t playing much, but I got better eventually. I feel like it will get better and better for me. I have to fight for my place. I consider that if I make good little plays, I can help the team win. »
Like on the PlayStation 4
Always very spontaneous in interviews, Slafkovsky— did not hide the fact that he found it special to share the same ice cream as Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.
“It’s a little surreal,” he said. I was calling friends to let them know I was playing Crosby on Monday and Saturday I was playing Ovechkin. It’s like a dream. Looks like I’m in the NHL game on the PlayStation 4.—- But that’s real life. I enjoy every second I have in this league. »
Demanding
In his first season in Montreal, Nick Suzuki also needed patience before climbing the ladder. Aged 20, not 18 like Slafkovsky, the Ontarian had taken his first steps on the right wing of a fourth line.
“It’s hard to play in this league at a young age, even more so at 18,” Suzuki said. I think he does a good job. I know he’s tough on himself and would like to produce offensively.
“I’ve been through what he’s been through before. I didn’t play much when I started. You have to earn the trust of the coaches. It will come. He must remain patient. I spoke to him a few times to tell him that the points will eventually come. He just has to work hard and he does. »
Slafkovsky smiled again when he was reminded of his captain’s comments about his overly critical self-criticism.
“Yes, I can be hard on myself,” he replied. I like to win and I want to play well. It’s my mentality to be demanding. But there are times when I have to learn to calm down. »
Smart Opponents
The CH number 20 has identified a few elements that marked him after four small games in the NHL.
“All the players are very smart in this league. They know where to position themselves on the ice and they know the right places to block the lines of shots or passes. This is the reality of the NHL. »