Montreal Canadiens fans got a good taste of what the team’s top talent, Juraj Slafkovsky, was capable of in Thursday night’s Habs first game of the rookie tournament. However, the CH lost 4 to 3 to the Sabers at the LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo.
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It was a great opportunity to see the first pick of the recent National League draft defending CH colors in a game. Slafkovsky didn’t disappoint with fighting spirit and speed.
After catching the attention of two opposing defenders midway through the first period, he played a nice pass to fellow Slovakian Filip Mesar, who found himself alone against Sabers goalkeeper Beck Warm. He was then 2-0 for the Canadian’s hopes.
Emil Heineman, a forward acquired last season who sent Tyler Toffoli to the Calgary Flames, opened the scoring after entering opposing territory with Jordan Harris.
The Bleu-Blanc-Rouge players hurt Buffalo’s hopes the most with their speed. Owen Beck also found himself alone in front of Warm, whom he defeated with a sharp shot from the side of the mitt to reduce the deficit to a net in the third period.
The Canadiens still gave away a two-goal lead, while the Sabers scored four straight goals to take the lead. Tyson Kozak notably scored twice at the expense of goalkeeper Joe Vrbetic.
Montreal will have a chance to rejuvenate themselves with a duel against the New Jersey Devils youngsters on Friday. They will conclude their visit to Buffalo on Sunday with a meeting with Ottawa Senators.