Juraj Slafkovsky scored his initially of what is probably to be many NHL aims on Thursday night. The Canadiens rookie, who was the best decide on in the 2022 draft, scored one of four unassisted tallies on the night in a 6-2 earn about the Arizona Coyotes.
At the 8:17 mark of the next period of time, the Coyotes ended up attempting to very clear the puck out of the zone, but Slafkovsky was capable to retain it in due to fantastic forechecking by the Canadiens. Slafkovsky then skated proper into the deal with-off circle and ripped a shot previous Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram.
It was also Slafkovsky’s very first position of his NHL career.
Slafkovsky grew to become the fourth-youngest participant in workforce historical past to score a purpose as he did so at 18 a long time, 204 times outdated. Only Mario Tremblay (18 decades, 75 times on Nov. 16, 1974), Jesperi Kotkaniemi (18 years, 118 days on Nov. 1, 2018) and Claude Lemieux (18 a long time, 141 days on Dec. 4, 1983) were young.
In addition, Slafkovsky did come to be the youngest Slovak-born player in NHL heritage to rating his very first profession target, as he topped Marian Gaborik, who beforehand held the document at 18 a long time, 235 times.
“It really is remarkable. To rating my first goal in this building, it can be a desire come real for positive,” Slafkovsky reported, in accordance to ESPN. “I consider almost nothing greater could take place right after a to start with NHL intention than what took place out there.”
Habs mentor Martin St. Louis commended Slafkovsky for his play and managing the force of getting these types of a youthful NHL player.
“I am content for the child,” St. Louis claimed. “There is certainly a great deal of stress for an 18-year-outdated, 1st all round pick, to play here in Montreal and the followers created a nice gesture to really encourage the child scoring his 1st aim. I was anticipating absolutely nothing much less, we have magnificent supporters.”
Slafkovsky’s initial occupation goal arrived on a night in which the Canadiens’ offense was absolutely buzzing. Josh Anderson, Cole Caulfield and Brendan Gallagher all scored aims in the 1st 7:17 of the opening period to give Montreal an early 3- advantage just before any one could even blink.
