NHL: Juraj Slafkovsky after the second loss in the playoffs did not hide disappointment
Washington. When Washington’s coach Spencer Carbery’s overseas journalists asked Montreal’s line-up before the second playoff match, he praised the first attack.
« Caufield is an excellent shooter, one of the best in the league. Suzuki is a game creator, distributor, intelligent and nationwide player.
Slafkovsky is tall, sturdy and is not afraid to go in front of the goal to get pucks. Of course, it is also very good in forking. In addition, he can cover the puck with your body.
If you look at some top five -against -five attacks, they have exactly such a balance and quality as these boys, ”said Washington coach on the eve of the second duel.
Video: Washington’s Match – Montreal
He knew that the first attack was the largest weapon of Montreal and had to find a recipe to stop it. He finally succeeded. The trio did not score a Washington triumphed 3: 1. He leads 2: 0 in the series.
Hard game that Montreal can’t respond to
If you look at the NHL matches in the regular season and then at the playoffs, the main change will be the hardness of the fights.
Washington showed the young Montreal how to play in the knockout section in the first meeting.
He won 42:33, 3: 2 goals. In the second match, which was in many ways similar to the first, the scenario was repeated. Capitals had 30 hits, Montreal only 23.
Canadiens lacks the hardness, which was mainly delivered by four players in the regular season. Slafkovský had 194 hits, most of the team, Xheakaj 180, Anderson 176 and Heineman 173.
While the last pair is the most scoring in the playoffs, Slafkovsky seems to have forgotten the hard game, which guaranteed points, and Xhejkaj moved two matches on the stands.
On the contrary, Washington has hardened since the beginning of the series and inexperienced hockey players Montreal Otlka. Cole Caufield, whose Ovechkin knocked down in the first match, would be able to say about it in the second match.
Video Hard Hit Wilson on Caufield
The hard game Capitals pays off. In the first duo, the three Suzuki – Caufield – Slafkovský took care of both Canadiens, and did not score in the second.
Despite the fact that the first Canadiens attack managed to create several opportunities for scoring, as evidenced by extended statistics, the duel ended with two minus.
Slafkovsky was holding tears
« They play hard. But we know how they want to play, and we just have to play harder. But we haven’t done that yet, » Slafkovsky said after the second loss.
The Slovak was extremely disappointed. He was one of the best players of Montreal in the match, he was the second most most most of the team striker.
Already at the 12th minute got into a good shooting position, but the goalkeeper Washington took his attempt.
The duel score was changed for the first time at the beginning of the second period, when Montreal’s striker Christian Dvorak scored.
Canadiens, however, quickly lost the important advantage. Two and a half minutes, Connor McMihael equalized and Washington’s turnover completed Dylan tree in 60 seconds.
Slafkovský could equalize in 56 minutes, but his two attempts first defeated the defense of the opponent, then the goalkeeper.
The score was closed two seconds before the final horn by McMhael.
Slafkovsky recorded up to five shots on the goal of the opponent, the most from the team and added three points. However, this was not enough to score the first Canadian point.
« Every one of us must be better, starting with me. We have to show different energy at home, » he said disappointed with a shaking voice.
Video: Slafkovský evaluates the second loss in the playoffs
When he said he wanted to play like Brady Tuchuk through the four countries tournament, he did it. Now he needs to find again the hardness and misery that is missing the whole team.
« It is difficult to play. The teams don’t make mistakes, and when someone makes it, another player corrects it for him. It’s hard hockey, just as I want. I just have to be better. »
And is the hardness in the playoffs higher than expected? « It is not higher, it is exactly as I expected. I just have to play more physical. I have to be better, » Slafkovsky repeated.
The third match of the series will take place on Saturday night (1:00 CET) in Montreal.
