Canadiens Juraj Slafkovsky Thrown Out Game For Boarding

Montreal Canadiens rookie Juraj Slafkovsky was thrown out of the game against the Detroit Red Wings after boarding a vulnerable Matt Luff.

For the second time in two games, the Canadiens had one of their forwards assessed a major penalty for boarding in the third period, after Josh Anderson did the same against the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.

This time around, there was no mistake, as Slafkovsky steamrolled an unsuspecting Luff into the boards face-first, causing the forward to take several moments to get up and return to the bench.

It was a dangerous hit, no matter how you slice it.

Yes the size difference between the two didn’t help and Slafkovsky wasn’t looking to intentionally injure Luff, but the decision to hit him with that velocity when he was in such a vulnerable position was a poor one.

Yeah, that's going to be a meeting with DOPS for Juraj Slafkovsky. pic.twitter.com/48cQNiKjqT

— Scott Matla (@scottmatla) November 9, 2022

It was unfortunate timing, as the Montreal Canadiens had just lost the lead to the Red Wings and the Canadiens were clearly looking to gain momentum back before the hit.

It remains to be seen whether or not Slafkovsky will face any discipline for his hit, as the NHL is sure to review it given that it was a boarding major in the final frame of a game.

It wouldn’t be surprising to hear in the coming hours that Slafkovsky will have a meeting lined up NHL Player Safety. However, this is likely to be a phone call, meaning the chances of Anderson being suspended will be quite low; unless the league wants to make an example our of Slafkovsky early on in the season.

That being said, the youngster’s inexperience showed on the play and the league is likely to take a more lenient approach in his case; given that he received a similar hit in the Canadiens’ most recent game against the Minnesota Wild that went uncalled and unpunished.