Relief has arrived for the Montreal Canadiens after a worrying moment involving Juraj Slafkovsky in Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. With the NHL playoff series tied 2-2, his availability for Game 5 now looks likely.
NHL reporter Eric Engels shared a positive update on X. He wrote that both Slafkovsky and Josh Anderson finished the game despite leaving briefly. Engels added that coach Martin St. Louis has no indication either player will miss Game 5. The expectation is that both will be ready.
“I mean, I haven’t talked to anybody today. So I don’t know. My guess is yes, they both played – came back,” St. Louis said in his video call media availability on Monday. “I didn’t leave the rink yesterday, thinking that they wouldn’t be. It’s just questionable.”
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The concern began late in the second period when Slafkovsky took a heavy hit from Max Crozier at center ice. He appeared shaken and went straight to the dressing room. The sequence raised fears of a serious injury, especially given his importance in the series.
However, the young forward returned for the third period and rejoined the bench. That return eased immediate concerns, and now the latest update strengthens optimism around his condition. Slafkovsky has been a key figure, including a hat trick earlier in the series.
Game 4 itself saw Tampa Bay respond strongly. Brandon Hagel scored twice in the third period to lead a 3-2 comeback win. Jake Guentzel added a goal and an assist, while Nikita Kucherov contributed two assists.
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Montreal had taken control earlier through Zachary Bolduc and Cole Caufield and had a 2-0 lead, but penalties and a slow third period cost them. Coach St. Louis admitted his side did not manage the final period well, saying, “We didn’t play a good enough third, I would say.”
The hit on Slafkovsky is still under attention, with a potential review from the league due to possible head contact. However, no penalty was called during play, which added to the debate.
As the series shifts to Game 5, Montreal’s focus will be on late execution. The likely return of Slafkovsky offers a boost for the team at a crucial stage of the playoffs.