LAS VEGAS | Martin St-Louis recognizes that Juraj Slafkovsky’s self-confidence is fragile. Nevertheless, the points didn’t arrive, but the Canadian head coach is still satisfied with the performance of his young protégé.
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“I am very encouraged by his progress over the last 12 months. He touches the puck a lot more than he did last year. He is in the right places. I can’t wait to see where he’ll be in another 12 months,” said St-Louis, available in the hallways of a Las Vegas hotel on the eve of the clash against the Golden Knights.
Watch Martin St-Louis’ press conference in the main video.
“It is certain that it helps a player to score a goal and collect points. But one should not concentrate exclusively on the result, he added. That’s why I often tell him that it’s the process that matters.”
Throughout the conversation, St-Louis emphasized that the young Slovakian’s development is proceeding as normal.
“And dealing with that alone at 19 years old is not easy. So we make sure we help him.”
Helping him without making any effort could have cleared St-Louis. Communication is important in supporting someone who lacks self-confidence. However, danger lurks for those who are too adventurous. Sometimes when we want to support someone too much, we push them a little further.
“I don’t talk to him all the time every day. I have to let him breathe a sigh of relief, mentioning the former glory of the Lightning in this context. If I feel like he needs a little chat, I talk to him. Sometimes it’s just two or three minutes.”
The undefeated champion
After coming from behind to win in tiebreaks in their last two games, the Montrealers face the Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night. They have yet to lose in regular time this season (8-0-1).
Could a strong, balanced team like the Knights exploit Slafkovsky’s fragility?
“Slaf does a very good job defensively. “I’m not afraid to put him in any situation,” emphasized St-Louis.
Speaking to the media, the coach did not know who the goalkeeper he will send into the game is.
No further details were released about the condition of Mike Matheson, who suffered a lower-body injury in the game against the Jets.
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