Progressing and developing in the NHL isn't just about improving your skills, gaining confidence, making quicker decisions and refining your defensive game, it's also about keeping your mouth shut.
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That is the observation that Juraj Slafkovsky has been making for several games. The Slovakian visited the Bell Center penalty box more times than anyone else last week: three times against the Sabers and twice against the Coyotes.
AFP
“I probably talk to the referees too much. “That's certainly part of the problem,” the young man said a few hours before boarding the plane that took the team to Florida. I have to be nicer when I'm punished. I shouldn’t scream so much.”
There was a time when Brendan Gallagher had the same problem. His mood swings meant that officers had a short fuse for him. Over the years, the thirty-year-old has become a little calmer. Furthermore, he has earned stripes that give him some right to argue.
“The referees will be more patient with an emotional veteran. This will be a little less the case with the young players. It’s part of the learning process,” emphasized Martin St-Louis.
“But Juraj reacts like any 19-year-old. Things will continue to stabilize in this area. It’s a fine line, it’s a game of emotions.”
Like Denis Lemieux
The other fine line that must not be crossed is that of compassion from the coach. If you receive two penalties in your opponent's territory, there can be consequences. This was the case in the second period of Tuesday's game when Slafkovsky missed a shift.
“It's terrible. I've had five penalties in my last two home games. It's difficult. I don't want to hurt my team. It makes you sweat because I've had too many penalties lately.”
Of these five penalties, two penalties were for the high stick, one was for hooking and two others were for holding. In short, three out of five caning penalties.
“Maybe I should leave my stick on the ice,” he said.
Yes, that would be a good idea. And give an extra skate or two.
“It’s a long time to spend two minutes in the penalty area,” Slafkovky said.
A statement similar to that of the famous Denis Lemieux: “Spending two minutes alone while the others are playing.” It makes you feel ashamed.”
Angry
In his case, it wasn't shame that gnawed at him, but rather anger. Anger that he let out as he returned to position for the first trio's final presence in the second period.
“Of course I was angry! I hadn't played the previous presence. (Joshua) Roy had replaced me, he remembered. I want to achieve my full presence. I wasn't in a good mood. […] I wanted to provide a big presence before the end of the second third to better prepare for the final third.
In this sequence he came off the bench like a rocket. He kept the attack going by disrupting a zone exit and moments later checked Liam O'Brien after an intense defensive retreat.
There are so many ways to be more useful to your team than sitting in the dungeon.