It's rare to hear such a direct speech from a journalist assigned to cover the Canadiens, but veteran Jonathan Bernier did not mince words in denouncing a growing situation concerning Juraj Slafkovsky, namely his indiscipline in recent games.
"Juraj Slafkovsky will have to learn to keep his mouth shut." - JdeM
Wow!
That's a statement, and it says a lot about the behavior of the 2022 first overall pick lately.
In addition to receiving stupid penalties, Slafkovsky has developed the bad habit of berating the referees after each one.
This is the kind of thing that doesn't fly with the NHL's unwritten laws. If you're a young player like the Slovak, you need to swallow your pride even if you disagree and you have to go sit in the penalty box without a word.
Only veterans and experienced players in the league can "challenge" the officials, as Brendan Gallagher regularly does. That's how it's been in the National League for a long time, and Slaf will have to accept this situation.
Here is an interesting passage from Bernier's article that reflects a quote from the CH's number 20:
Progressing and developing in the NHL is not just about improving your skating, gaining confidence, making quicker decisions, and refining your defensive play, it's also about learning to shut up.
This is the realization Juraj Slafkovsky has come to over the past few games. [...]
"I probably talk too much to the referees. That's definitely part of the problem. I need to be nicer when I get a penalty. I shouldn't yell as much." - Juraj Slafkovsky
It must be said that his protests demonstrate intensity on his part, which is appreciated. However, he will need to be more careful in choosing his battles, and this is part of his learning process to become the best player possible in a few years.
