Juraj Slafkovsky spoke to reporters for the first time since Saturday today, sharing his true thoughts on the hit that took him out of the game against the Penguins.
The Canadiens lost 3-1 to the Penguins on Saturday, dropping to 4-7-1, firmly in last place in the Atlantic division. However, the result on the scoreboard was not the most important thing on the mind of Habs fans after the contest. Late in the 3rd period, Noel Acciari made a reverse hit on Slafkovsky, sending him to the locker room. Obviously, his health and wellbeing were the top priority at that point, especially considering how important he will be to the long-term success of the team. The hit did spark a lot of debate though as to whether or not he should have been suspended.
Regardless of what the consensus is on this play though, the league has made their decision. Unfortunately for Habs fans, Acciari was not suspended or even fined for the play. This did not stop prominent members of the NHL community to speak up about it though. Several former NHL players including Kevin Bieksa called for a suspension to Acciari after the game ended. Today, Slafkovsky himself added to that discourse, sharing his thoughts on the matter. He agreed that the league should have reviewed the play on the ice for a possible major penalty and even a suspension.
'It's a good thing that my head is fine. I was pissed because there was three minutes till the end of the game and I want to be out there. I think they should have (reviewed the play,) obviously I put myself in that spot, but you expect to be reverse hit with (his back) not his arm, so I was expecting a different type of contact from him. What happened happened and I got KO'd and had to take a shower.'
At this point, we should all just be glad no one was seriously hurt in Saturday's game. Slafkovsky should be back out there tonight as the Canadiens host the Calgary Flames as they already are looking to salvage their season. Be sure to tune in to see if they can or if they fall further and further into the lottery area of the standings.
