BPM sports analyst calls out Juraj Slafkovsky after another tough night in Montreal
The young forward Juraj Slafkovsky had a difficult game last night, and his decisions on the ice drew several criticisms.
Notably from play-by-play commentator Anthony Marcotte of BPM Sports, who didn't mince words when analyzing his play.
This isn't the first time Slafkovsky has attracted comments after a tough outing.
Against the Kings, we saw a hesitant player attempting risky plays at the wrong time.
And for Anthony Marcotte, this problem is a recurring one.
After the second period, Martin St. Louis pulled Slafkovsky from the first line and replaced him with Demidov.
Juraj Slafkovsky needs to simplify his game, according to Anthony Marcotte
During his appearance on BPM Sports, Marcotte didn't hide his frustration.
"What I hate most about his game - and it's a recurring theme - is those infamous passes through the middle of the ice. He puts his teammates in trouble."
- Anthony Marcotte
- Anthony Marcotte
He believes Slafkovsky needs to play a more direct, north-south style rather than trying complicated passes.
"He needs to keep the puck along the boards. I'm sorry, but he doesn't have the hockey IQ to make passes through the middle the way a player like Demidov can. That's not who Slafkovsky is." Added Marcotte
Marcotte is not the only one who feels that way...
"Juraj Slafkovsky rarely makes the right decision when entering the offensive zone. His strength isn't his hands - he needs to simplify his game or simply not be the one tasked with carrying the puck into the offensive zone..."
- Amelia McGuire
- Amelia McGuire
Frank words that reflect a certain frustration toward the young forward, who is often criticized for his lack of consistency and rushed decision-making.
I think there's some truth to that analysis - at times, it feels like Slafkovsky tries to do too much, when he'd benefit from keeping his game simpler and more physical.
Martin St. Louis, for his part, continues to give him ice time, betting on his long-term potential.
But if Anthony Marcotte's message reaches him, perhaps we'll see a Slafkovsky more focused on the basics in the next game.
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