Canadiens' Juraj Slafkovsky leaves after taking elbow to head vs. Penguins

Sportsnet Staff @SportsnetNovember 03, 2024 - 5:37am

The Hockey Central panel discusses Noel Acciari's late hit on Juraj Slafkovský, whether the elbow was a dirty hit, why the Canadiens' retaliation in the game's dying seconds, why protecting their first overall pick is a priority, and more.

The Montreal Canadiens lost forward Juraj Slafkovsky late in their 3-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The second-year forward left the contest after taking an elbow to the head from Penguins forward Noel Acciari while skating for the puck in the offensive end. The hit occurred with just over three minutes remaining in the third period.

Slafkovksy was seen throwing his helmet in frustration as he went down the tunnel.

The 20-year-old recorded an assist, three shots on goal, two hits and two blocked shots in over 17 minutes of ice time before taking the hit. It was the 2022 first-overall pick's seventh assist and eighth point of the season for the Canadiens.

Montreal took exception to the hit as time expired, with Arber Xhekaj going after Acciari. A scrum ensued, and Canadiens defenceman Jayden Struble fought Penguins defenceman Ryan Graves in the aftermath.

There was no immediate update on the nature or severity of Slafkovsky's injury from Montreal.

Slafkovsky missed three games in mid-October with an upper-body injury. Saturday night's game was his third since returning on Tuesday.

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