'A little wake-up call' for Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovský after being benched over OT loss

The woes of the Montreal Canadiens continued on Sunday when they fell 5-3 to the Tampa Bay Lightning, their third consecutive loss. Slovak professional ice hockey forward Juraj Slafkovsky, signed for $60.8 million, was relegated to the third line during the game—a decision that wasn't missed. In one of the game's most significant in-game decisions, head coach Amartey's decision to sit Slafkovský for a bit ultimately turned out to be a wake-up call for the young winger.


Looking back, Slafkovský admitted the change was necessary. “He saw my first two shifts and probably had no option. It's been going on like that for a while, and it needed a change,” Slafkovsky confessed in a press conference. "I had to get going, I think; originally, it's not good. But maybe I had a couple of good shifts after that. It's been on the boil for a while, so a change had to be made. The reason behind it is not good, but I did have a few good shifts following that."
The change also emphasized the better play of linemate Segellian after the switch. When questioned as to why Segellian seemed more effective following the change, Slafkovský was honest: “I have no idea. It just happened.” But the change was an added motivation, according to Slafkovsky. “A little wake-up call, and I tried to wake up after what happened on a goal and right after. Sometimes, as a coach, you have to make this decision, and I think today it helped me.”
As the team embarks on a much-needed bye week, they do so with only one victory in their past nine games. Slafkovský conceded the timing is not great but is looking forward to what is next. “It would be way more fun to go on a bye week if we won eight out of nine, but it happens. You've got to take a little break and then go right back at it.” He added.


In spite of recent losses, hope persists. With more than 25 games remaining, Slafkovský is convinced there is time to turn things around. “There are still a lot of games in front of us. We have 25-26. If we win more than we lose, then we will see where we are.” He said.
While the hiatus offers a chance to recharge, there is a very strong feeling of wanting to continue. “With our results and stuff, it seems like a good time for a break,” Slafkovský said, “but I'm sure everyone would love to keep playing and try to flip this thing around again. We have an opportunity to take a break and then, like I said, work hard again after the break.”
With the break on the horizon, the team will be looking to refuel and return with renewed vigour, hoping to turn things around in the second half of the season.
Also read: Brandon Montour makes NHL history with the fastest OT goal in the Seattle Kraken's comeback win
While Slafkovsky's demotion may have been a wake-up call, his response shows he's determined to get it back on track. With the Canadiens looking for answers in their losing streak, how they respond in their next game will be important.