Marty having conversation's with Slaf. I have no idea what they're discussing, but if I were Marty, it would be like.. "Step it up big man, you're not doing enough, we need more from you, use that body more."
"Come on Slaf, I keep putting you with Dach and it's your job to carry him and gift him points. Why aren't you good enough to make my decisions look good? Dach's development supersedes everything! Also, I've seen fans who don't watch the game think you need to use the body more, how dare you only be 2nd in hits while playing 3 less games than Anderson! Just you wait until more nonsense is made up!"
Marty having conversation's with Slaf. I have no idea what they're discussing, but if I were Marty, it would be like.. "Step it up big man, you're not doing enough, we need more from you, use that body more."
He's also 20, still growing into his frame.His game takes off when he moves his feet and uses his shot more. When your confidence is low you go back to your old habits until the new habits take over.
This is not uncommon, he's been better lately as that line has gotten better.
Agree on what you wrote, but it is kind of obvious that MSL used Slaf to carry Dach. We finally had dominating 1st line probably for the first time in this millenium, but it took MSL just 5 games to split it. Slaf got injured for 3 games and they never came back together. Of course, 20y old Slaf is not ready to carry any line and he started to struggle. Playing with Dach only snowballed the effect and he started to overthink everything and stopped moving his feet. Just stupid decisions from MSL now created even more pressure on Slaf.Also find it hilarious you think Marty is using Slaf to carry anyone, Juraj's not one to carry any line. His best stretch in his young career was him being propped up by Suzuki and Caufield. He will get better as he matures, but at the moment he's a complimentary piece.
Agree on what you wrote, but it is kind of obvious that MSL used Slaf to carry Dach. We finally had dominating 1st line probably for the first time in this millenium, but it took MSL just 5 games to split it. Slaf got injured for 3 games and they never came back together. Of course, 20y old Slaf is not ready to carry any line and he started to struggle. Playing with Dach only snowballed the effect and he started to overthink everything and stopped moving his feet. Just stupid decisions from MSL now created even more pressure on Slaf.
Increased amount of shorter shifts in that game compared to the 3 previous games. That means he has more legs and when Slaf skates that's when he's efficient.Slaf will turn it around. His confidence is a little shot. We saw some nice work last game. I really like the chemistry he is developing with Laine.
I think he will score more than last years 50, and may approach 60. Upward progress is all we should expect from a young 20 year old in his 3rd year.