(Brossard) Juraj Slafkovsky has two reasons to be remorseful for his dangerous check against Matt Luff last Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings.
Posted at 3:13 p.m.
First, the Montreal Canadiens rookie forward was suspended for two games for his gesture, which sent Luff out for a period of 10 to 12 weeks. Then, this suspension prevented him from playing in front of his family, who were visiting Montreal this weekend.
“My mother was able to stay. I hope to be able to play tomorrow (Tuesday),” said Slafkovsky after training with the Canadiens on Monday.
Slafkovsky’s turn could depend on the availability of forwards Joel Armia and Jonathan Drouin. Both missed practice on Monday, enjoying a day of treatment instead. Head coach Martin St-Louis said only that their availability for the next game against the New Jersey Devils will be reassessed on Tuesday.
Slafkovsky hopes to be able to return to training. Despite limited playing time, he scored his first three NHL goals in the five games leading up to the Red Wings.
The first pick in the last draft said he took advantage of the time out to work on certain aspects of his game.
“I was able to allow my body to recover a bit, while working on some things,” said the 18-year-old Slovak. Of course, you still want to play, but when you have no other option, you have to take advantage of the time available to you. »
One thing is certain, Slafkovsky has no intention of changing his game, even though his first suspension came on his 10e only career game in the NHL.
“Yes, I want to continue to finish every check every time I’m on the ice. This is an element that will help us win, ”he insisted.
Asked about the check from behind he carried against Luff, Slafkovsky noted the difference in size between the Ontario forward and him.
“I didn’t have a lot of speed on the game. It’s not easy when you’re 50 pounds heavier than the other player. I didn’t even try to hit him hard. »
According to NHL data, Luff is six-foot-two and weighs 192 pounds, while Slafkovsky is listed at six-foot-three and 238 pounds.
For his part, head coach Martin St-Louis said he did not believe he needed to teach his colt a lesson before sending him back into the fray.
“I’m going to let him play,” he said. He has to adapt a bit. If I think I need to talk to him, I’ll talk to him. But we will cross the bridge when we are at the river. »
Even though he tried to play down the significance of his charge, Slafkovsky nonetheless pointed out that he texted Luff apologizing.
“He replied thanking me for taking the time to join him. I think it was the least we could do after the incident,” Slafkovsky concluded.