Player Discussion Juraj Slafkovsky Discussion

[Kojo]

Exactly what I was thinking. We've seen confidence and indecision share the same space in Slaf's head throughout the season. A flash of dominance here, a deer caught in the headlights there. But tonight, his confidence took over and pushed through whatever was in his way. What a game!! I'll have what he's having...

I think that's just in your head. At the same age Suzuki wasn't that impressive.

Suzuki scored 7 points in 10 games in the playoffs at the same age but he was not as impressive as Slaf.

Even now. Look at the stats. 19 SOG in his last 5 games to go with 10 hits, playing super physical. Suzuki doesn't score that goal without Slaf. It's not even close... Slaf would destroy him 1v1

 

[Lshap]

I think that's just in your head. At the same age Suzuki wasn't that impressive.

Suzuki scored 7 points in 10 games in the playoffs at the same age but he was not as impressive as Slaf.

Even now. Look at the stats.

Not sure which part you think was in my head. I wasn't comparing Slafkovsky to Suzuki. I'm simply stating what most of us saw – Slaf elevated his game last night. By definition, that means he played at a higher level than he usually does.

 

[Kojo]

Not sure which part you think was in my head. I wasn't comparing Slafkovsky to Suzuki. I'm simply stating what most of us saw – Slaf elevated his game last night. By definition, that means he played at a higher level than he usually does.

Seem like just normal Slaf to me. but carry on.

I'm just sick of the haters so I'm pointing out your mistake.

 

[Lshap]

Seem like just normal Slaf to me. but carry on.

I'm just sick of the haters so I'm pointing out your mistake.

So... you think last night was business as usual. Lol... okay man.

 

[Kojo]

So... you think last night was business as usual. Lol... okay man.

He has 14 shots on goals this playoffs, have you been watching? He would lead both teams in SOG if Caufield didn't have 11 SOG last game. Yes I think you are wrong. And also, how do you think Caufield was able to have 11 SOG? Slaf.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

I think that's just in your head. At the same age Suzuki wasn't that impressive.

Suzuki scored 7 points in 10 games in the playoffs at the same age but he was not as impressive as Slaf.

Even now. Look at the stats. 19 SOG in his last 5 games to go with 10 hits, playing super physical. Suzuki doesn't score that goal without Slaf. It's not even close... Slaf would destroy him 1v1

This is something I’ve been weighing
for a bit because Slaf is now the same age as Suzuki’s rookie season.

Playoff wise, Suzuki was actually pretty good in his first one. I remember Drouin making a lot of things happen on that line but Nick was capitalizing.

I don’t think he’s had the same impact so far. Pittsburgh was beyond bad in that series. I swore they were trying to lose lol.

Washington has been a tougher opponent for sure. Slaf’s had the bigger impact I’d say.

I think the answer is simple to me. Slaf was pretty good first couple games and one of our better players. But the whole team was better game 3 and yet again he was one of our better players.

 

[Miller Time]

This is something I’ve been weighing
for a bit because Slaf is now the same age as Suzuki’s rookie season.

Playoff wise, Suzuki was actually pretty good in his first one. I remember Drouin making a lot of things happen on that line but Nick was capitalizing.

I don’t think he’s had the same impact so far. Pittsburgh was beyond bad in that series. I swore they were trying to lose lol.

Washington has been a tougher opponent for sure. Slaf’s had the bigger impact I’d say.

I think the answer is simple to me. Slaf was pretty good first couple games and one of our better players. But the whole team was better game 3 and yet again he was one of our better players.

This.

Heck, midway through the game there were a bunch of posters lamenting his "low IQ" and "lack of physicality"...

His play wasn't much different than game 1 or 2, nor much different than how he's been playing for weeks.

The stakes are higher & the intensity greater from everyone, and he scored a key goal that blew the roof off the bell center... Lots of posters seem to infer he "elevated his game" from that.

Either way, if it quiets some of the silly criticism for a few days, we'll all be better off for it lol

 

[Tyson]

Future is bright for #20.

 

[waitin425]

Once again we are getting a taste of what Slaf is and will land on. A monster power forward with elite vision and excellent 2 way play. He's still a kid dammit. Our future is so bright with our big 5.....Suzuki, Caufield, Lane, Demi and Slaf. Mix in Guhle and Rein and Fowler and the fact we can still add a big name #2C and RD as well.

This team is going to be so good.

 

[ahmedou]

 

[Jurivan Demidovsky]

We drafted 2 x #1 overall picks in 2022

Slafkovsky unicorn power forward

Hutson unicorn defenseman

 

[HomaridII]

Once again we are getting a taste of what Slaf is and will land on. A monster power forward with elite vision and excellent 2 way play. He's still a kid dammit. Our future is so bright with our big 5.....Suzuki, Caufield, Lane, Demi and Slaf. Mix in Guhle and Rein and Fowler and the fact we can still add a big name #2C and RD as well.

This team is going to be so good.

Slaf just needs to find that consistency where he plays like this most games but we have to remember that the biggest reason he was drafted is because he plays his best in the toughest moment. There are guys are get you to the playoffs, and guys that get you through the playoffs and Slaf is most definitely the latter. He is virtually an unplayable two way machine at his best. His goal was all him, he created the turnover, he got the puck, he drove it up ice, etc..

 

[OldCraig71]

The guy I rooted for the most last night and he delivered. He shed the emotions from Wednesday, picked himself up, and played a hell of a game. Come on, big guy, keep bringing it!

 

[KevSkillz4]

We drafted 2 x #1 overall picks in 2022

Slafkovsky unicorn power forward

Hutson unicorn defenseman

I agree. At this point, when Slaf play like that, I'd easily rather have him over Logan Cooley and he is 100% worth a 1st overall pick. He is going to be a better player than a lot of 1st overall pick. I'd rather have him than Power, Lafreniere, even Hischier.

Slaf is a monster in the making, he just need to play like that every game and he is going to produce massive numbers in regular season.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

Slaf just needs to find that consistency where he plays like this most games but we have to remember that the biggest reason he was drafted is because he plays his best in the toughest moment. There are guys are get you to the playoffs, and guys that get you through the playoffs and Slaf is most definitely the latter. He is virtually an unplayable two way machine at his best. His goal was all him, he created the turnover, he got the puck, he drove it up ice, etc..

And again made a good play on that Suzuki goal where he doesn’t get a point. That’s 3 goals this series that he’s had a big hand on with no point.

Arguably our best forward game in game out in this series so far.

 

[JianYang]

A guy going into his 4th NHL season should get a complete pass for any sort of criticism, when even the player is literally saying the very same things we are?

Why though?

Yeah, unacceptable for a guy who will be going in to his 6th season a couple years after going into his 4th season

 

[ahmedou]

From sadou

To gladou

 

[ahmedou]

 

[Kojo]

Just looked at Marian Hossa's stats in the playoffs at the same age and Slaf is already ahead by a large margin. AINEC

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

Yeah, unacceptable for a guy who will be going in to his 6th season a couple years after going into his 4th season

I mean he’s going into 400 games almost 200 games from now at this point

 

[le_sean]

Cooley might get more points per season but this kid is an animal. Wouldn’t want any of the other Top 10 picks in that draft. Beastly last night.

 

[Kojo]

Cooley might get more points per season but this kid is an animal. Wouldn’t want any of the other Top 10 picks in that draft. Beastly last night.

Hutson
Slafkovsky
Cooley

Cooley is awesome though, but he's redundant with Suzuki as 1C.

Habs need a spicier 2C than Cooley.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

Just looked at Marian Hossa's stats in the playoffs at the same age and Slaf is already ahead by a large margin. AINEC

People keep seeing his inconsistency as a big problem but in the context of his production/off puck play/usage it’s actually quite heartening that he’s still out producing many elite players (ESPECIALLY oversized elite players) at the same age.

It all depends on if you believe that his inconsistency is innate and will always be there or it’s just a part of his relative youth and lack of experience. I firmly believe it’s the latter so that’s why I think he can be elite. Others that think the former will be bummed out.

But why I’m super psyched is because not only do I think he can be more consistent but also just flat out better. Puck possession and handling specifically. Driving play more. Using his body more effectively etc.

He has finesse and strength and if/when he integrates both he’s gonna be a massive f***ing problem

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

Cooley might get more points per season but this kid is an animal. Wouldn’t want any of the other Top 10 picks in that draft. Beastly last night.

And the key word is ‘might’. I think Slaf has elite/near elite production in him while also bringing all the other things.

Again, I’d credit him with playing a role on 3 goals this series where he didn’t even get a point. 2 of them in the first game where he was getting called out more than just about any other player

 

[Miller Time]

From sadou

To gladou

View attachment 1023189

The look of a man putting his money where his mouth is