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Nick Suzuki thinks the wave of criticism directed at Juraj Slafkovsky is unfair

Over the past few days, if not weeks, criticism of forward Juraj Slafkovsky has been rife.

Montreal Canadiens fans and analysts alike have been disappointed with his performances, and are seriously wondering whether he should move to the AHL with the Laval Rocket.

The Slovakian seems to lack a great deal of confidence, and it shows in his game.

For a first overall pick, even though he’s only 19 years old, this is worrying, and it’s clear that people want more from him, hence the numerous criticisms he’s received.

In an environment like Montreal’s, such criticism is normal and to be expected.

However, team captain Nick Suzuki thinks it’s unfair that Juraj Slafkovsky has come in for so much criticism in recent days.

Indeed, that’s what he explained yesterday after the game, when asked about the subject.

“It’s pretty unfair. He missed a lot of last season, so he doesn’t have a lot of NHL games, so I think he’s just a simple young player trying to find his way in the NHL.” – Nick Suzuki

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Suzuki was also keen to reassure everyone.

“He (Slafkovsky) is a very good player, and he’ll be one for a long time.” – Nick Suzuki

These are very flattering words from the captain.

The captain then added that he understands that there are a lot of expectations for Slafkovsky, but that in his opinion, the Slovak had a solid training camp, when he developed a nice chemistry with Kirby Dach.

And since Dach’s injury, Suzuki explains that Slafkovsky is simply trying to recapture that chemistry with someone else.

Well, that chemistry could come with this same Nick Suzuki, given that last night, for the first time this season, Slafkovsky was placed on the first trio with Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

The promotion was also criticized by many fans and analysts as undeserved, based on Slaf’s performances so far this season.

However, despite this, I think it’s a good decision to give number 20 a few games on the first line.

Let’s give him the best possible chance to perform with the best possible players.

The chemistry hasn’t really clicked with either Josh Anderson or Rafaël Harvey-Pinard on the first trio since the start of the season, so giving Slaf a try is a good idea in my opinion, especially as in the long term, that’s what we’d like to see.

By the way, even though it didn’t happen when he was on the ice with Suzuki and Caufield, Slafkovsky scored his first goal of the season, which can only give him confidence for what’s to come, and the continuation of his trial on the first trio.

Slaf didn’t do too badly yesterday on the first line, despite the team’s rather ordinary game.

Let’s see how he performs in the next few games.

En Rafale

– Speaking of Slafkovsky.

– What a save from Fleury last night in that beautiful uniform.

– NHL news.

– Read more.

– To be continued.