[Dumont] Slafkovsky finds a streaking Newhook, who creates space and generates a good chance. Slafkovsky is looking a lot more aware of his situation today. Before any of the GIF police get involved, we’re well aware it’s not a game-breaking play.
Slafkovsky finds a streaking Newhook, who creates space and generates a good chance.
Slafkovsky is looking a lot more aware of his situation today. Before any of the GIF police get involved, we're well aware it's not a game-breaking play. pic.twitter.com/UbOBkAeMC3
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) September 22, 2023
by Tripacka
10 Comments
The pass itself isn’t much of anything special, but I really like the way he backs down the defense by continuing to drive to the net here. Great use of his size and skating.
Newhook has the Byron speed the Habs have been sorely missing!
I found that while Slafkovsky was rarely spearheading plays, he looked way more spatially aware, and made good use of his stick both offensively and defensively.
An example I have in mind of a good stick play on offense is a rush with Newhook during the 2nd period, where slaf obstructed 2 opponents so that Newhook could freely skate towards the other wing and shoot.
As for defense, I’ve seen him do good backchecking on multiple occasions.
I think it’s fair to say that Slaf isn’t nearing an actual breakout year just yet. He’s visibly still adjusting to the smaller ice (look at his long passes and the distance between him and his teammates on zone entries), his physical game could be improved to win more puck battles, and I guess his skating could be better. But he’s looking alright. If he could position himself where he wants to be literally 0.5s sooner, he’d look way better on the ice.
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That Newhook-Anderson duo look so solid so far. Of course it’s just training camp, but usually it’s the younger guys that impress, not the NHLers. Slaf seem to slowly get closer to their level (the difference in speed might make him look worst than he actually is), we see how he look in his next game.
It’s literally just a pass in a scrimmage? At least he got the player right this time
Fanboys getting real desperate
Pretty low bar when we’re cheerleading a pass in practice from a former 1st overall pick
Newhook is looking good!
Slaf was always an underrated passer. Creative and quick. Just trying too many low percentage passes too often. Like about 99% of 18 yrs old suddenly playing in the NHL.