The Montreal Canadiens may not be competitive at the moment, but there’s clearly good chemistry within the team.
Several young players will soon be making the jump to the big club, and that’s very encouraging.
Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky have developed an incredible relationship and seem inseparable.
Both are not afraid to have a laugh and both are popular, but the Slovak is even more so, and not just in Montreal.
In Slovakia, he’s seen as a hero, or as Luc Gélinas put it, the idol of a nation.
And he celebrated his 20th birthday on March 30…
When I went to cover the USA/Slovakia match in Ostrava, I was completely bowled over by Juraj Slafkovsky’s immense popularity in his country!
It’s not complicated. He just turned 20 and he’s already the idol of a nation🇸🇰 https://t.co/znQM8sIi6r
– Luc Gelinas (@LucGelinasRDS) May 14, 2024
There have been several excellent Slovak players in history, including Peter Stasny, Marian Hossa and Marian Gaborik, but it’s important to remember that he’s the only Slovak player ever to be selected at the very top of the draft.
Luc Gélinas covered the game between the USA and Slovakia, and just before the match, he had the chance to meet the Slovak giant’s two grandmothers:
Luc Gélinas met Juraj Slafkovsky’s grandmothers yesterday before the Slovakia game 🫶 pic.twitter.com/kUd6WmGULY
– Le 5 à 7 (@5a7RDS) May 14, 2024
He took the opportunity to tell Slaf when he gave him an interview.
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Slafkovsky is proudly representing his country in Ostrava, Czech Republic, for the World Championship.
He mentioned that the Slovak fans present are incredible, and compared them to those in Montreal.
Juraj Slafkovsky yesterday talking about Slovak fans 🇸🇰 & Habs fans. pic.twitter.com/HH27kC5ktO
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) May 14, 2024
On the way to the dressing room, Slovak fans were eagerly awaiting Slaf ‘s arrival, and he even handed over his stick.
Juraj Slafkovsky with Slovak 🇸🇰 fans after their overtime win today. pic.twitter.com/UBCm8onzJG
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) May 13, 2024
Slovak fans adore the youngster and it’s no surprise that he’s so beloved by the Montreal crowd.
How can you not love him?
As mentioned in the following tweet, it’s pretty hard to say he doesn’t attract fan love.
Can’t say Juraj Slafkovsky doesn’t draw any love pic.twitter.com/1EV3kJYaLF
– JeSuisCH🏒BleuBlancRouge (@HabsHappy) May 14, 2024
In bursts
– Mathias Brunet spoke out about his choice between Ivan Demidov and Cayden Lindstrom if both were available at the Habs’ pick. He hesitated, but finally opted for the Russian. [BPM Sports]
– Too bad…
PWHL Montreal is eliminated after 3 straight OT losses. Brutal. pic.twitter.com/vgnTYXHat5
– HFTV (@HFTVSports) May 15, 2024
– It’s done.
For the second time in their history (2009 and 2024), the Voltigeurs are QMJHL playoff champions!
The Gilles-Courteau Trophy champions came close to matching the Sea Dogs’ 2017 mark (4 vs BLB) with just 5 goals allowed in the final. Hats off pic.twitter.com/gVrwEwn0y2
– Mikaël Lalancette (@MikLalancette) May 15, 2024
– Incroyable.
Most goals in a full Panthers season:
62 – Sam Reinhart (this season)
59 – Pavel Bure
58 – Pavel BureDid anyone expect this kind of production? pic.twitter.com/XZFNnmZLnE
– Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) May 15, 2024