Juraj Slafkovsky<\/a> has been playing injured since the start of the series against the Buffalo Sabres.<\/p>\nAnd that is exactly the kind of situation that could force Martin St-Louis to make a difficult decision for the winner-take-all game!<\/p>\n
Lapierre shared his analysis on TVA Sports following the Canadiens’ 8-3 loss last night at the Bell Centre.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s time to look at Juraj Slafkovsky and tell him: ‘Thank you for what you’ve done so far, but we’re going to move you down the lineup.'”<\/p>\n
A recommendation that says a lot about the physical condition of the young Slovak forward.<\/p>\n
Maxim Lapierre says Juraj Slafkovsky’s injury is hurting the Canadiens’ top line<\/p>\n
Lapierre did not hold back during his appearance.<\/p>\n
“It’s obvious that he’s injured. We don’t know for sure if that’s the case, but I’m telling you he is based on the way he’s playing. He has shown us high standards for several seasons. He has always played well for the Canadiens. He took a lot of hits in the series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and it happened again tonight. He’s banged up.”<\/p>\n
– Maxim Lapierre<\/p>\n
That confirms what many have been thinking over the last few games.<\/p>\n
Slafkovsky has not looked like the same player since the start of the second round against the Sabres.<\/p>\n
His speed of execution has completely disappeared, along with his physical dominance.<\/p>\n
His positive impact on the team’s play has dropped considerably.<\/p>\n
Slafkovsky had an excellent start to the playoffs in the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and several of his big goals helped carry the team to victory.<\/p>\n
But something changed at the start of the second round!<\/p>\n
For Lapierre, it is obvious.<\/p>\n
“Your top line is the engine of your team. It’s the line that decides whether you win or lose Game 7. If you put a guy on the ice who doesn’t feel right, you drag the other two players in the same direction.”<\/p>\n
– Lapierre<\/p>\n
For Martin St-Louis, it is a major decision that must be made in less than 24 hours.<\/p>\n
Should the head coach continue trusting his young Slovak forward, or try a different approach for the decisive game?<\/p>\n
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday night at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.<\/p>\n
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
3 HOURS AGO|182 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
Injury concern may force Martin St-Louis to change Canadiens’ top line before Sabres Game 7<\/p>\n
Do you think Martin St-Louis should remove Juraj Slafkovsky from the first line for tomorrow night’s decisive Game 7 against the Sabres?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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