Suzuki boosts Slafkovsky: 'Definitely too hard on himself'

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki wants linemate Juraj Slafkovsky to cut himself some slack as he seeks to snap a lengthy goal drought.

"In some moments of the game, you're not going to be happy with a play you made, but you can't let that affect the rest of your game," Suzuki said, per TSN. "I think he's definitely too hard on himself. If you keep a positive mindset, a lot of things go better for you. Trying to keep him positive on the bench is a big thing."

The Canadiens have surged up the Eastern Conference standings with nine wins in their past 12 games. However, Slafkovsky has registered only two goals while playing on the top line alongside Suzuki and Cole Caufield during that span, including none over the past nine contests.

Slafkovsky has recorded four goals this campaign through 39 games, well below the pace required to match his 20-tally output from last season.

"I'm unfortunately working on my game and still trying to find a consistency to be the same type of player every night," Slafskovsky said. "It's great that we manage to get wins because then it's a little easier."

He added: "First of all, I need to move my legs for the whole shift, every shift I'm out there. And then play physical. I think last game I played pretty physical, but I think just off that it creates a lot for other guys on the ice. Even I'm more open after it, so we just have to use it. We're going in the right direction, that's for sure. It's just a matter of time when I'll hopefully start scoring again."

Slafkovsky's in his third season with the Canadiens since being drafted first overall in 2022. He has 83 points in 160 career games and signed an eight-year, $60.8-million extension last summer.