SAN JOSE | Cole Caufield paid Juraj Slafkovsky a nice compliment in the opposing team’s locker room at the SAP Center after a 3-2 shootout win over the Sharks.
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“He was good. I think he just played one of the best games of his career,” Caufield said. He used his body and his speed well. It was nice to see that. He created several scoring chances for our trio. We have a lot Spent time in the opponent’s zone. I take my hat off to him. He was very strong on the ramps. This type of game will allow him to gain confidence.
Martin St-Louis always spoke of patience with Slafkovsky. At 19 years old and in his second season in the NHL, the top pick of the 2022 draft class won’t follow a straight path. There will be pitfalls along the way, but also great successes.
In San Jose, Slafkovsky showed more than encouraging signs. He finished the game on the scoresheet with one assist, a record of +2 and a playing time of 19:44. He also fired three shots at MacKenzie Blackwood and had ten shot attempts.
St. Louis rewarded him for his bravery by using him three-on-three in overtime and sending him into the shootout as the third shooter.
The Slovakian had thwarted Blackwood during his penalty shootout but was unable to complete his feint, hitting the side of the net.
“I was close,” Slafkovsky replied with a smile. I don’t know how I managed not to score. But we found a way to win, so it’s okay. I felt good in my match. Our trio hummed on the ice. I now have to recreate the same thing in the next game. I can’t be satisfied with just one good game.”
Slafkovsky was still on the right wing alongside Christian Dvorak and Caufield and won several duels on the boards. He relied on one of his great strengths, his 1.90 meter tall, 110 kilogram frame, to win pucks.
“I feel like I’m getting my confidence back as I have the opportunity to play with the puck more,” he explained. I want to develop my game further.
On the right way
At a news conference in a small room next to the locker room, St-Louis repeated what he had often said about Slafkovsky. The most important thing for him will always be the goal, not the time it takes to get there.
“We’re on our way,” he introduced himself. What we are seeing is very encouraging. He is gaining more and more self-confidence. You can see it in what he does on the ice, where he goes and how often he touches the puck. He is very efficient and therefore often has the puck. I know he’s putting a lot of pressure on himself, I’m happy for him. There will be more growth as he feels good.”
“It’s evolving,” he continued. He recognizes what this league is. He learns from his mistakes. He’s a sponge, which is what you expect from a 19-year-old player. He doesn’t think he has it all figured out yet, he’s becoming the best version of himself.”
Jesse Ylönen scored the game-winning goal in the shootout, Caufield scored a rare five-on-five goal (his second of the season) and Cayden Primeau blocked 31 shots in this thrilling victory over the Sharks, the team’s worst team in the NHL by one Record of 3-15-2. For the first time this season, the Sharks dominated their rivals in the shooting column (33 to 24).
It wasn’t a perfect fit for CH. Far from it. But the biggest victory may well be that of Slafkovsky, who appears to want to come out of his shell.