Juraj Slafkovský struggles as Canadiens search for answers without Demidov

The Montreal Canadiens briefly threatened a late comeback Tuesday night at the Bell Centre, pulling within one against the Carolina Hurricanes before their push fell short. Juraj Slafkovský lost the puck on a failed zone entry in the final minutes, leading directly to an empty‑net insurance goal and locking in a 6–4 win for the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Bigger responsibility, bumpy start for Slafkovský

With Ivan Demidov sidelined by a lower‑body injury for an estimated two to four weeks, Slafkovský was handed more offensive responsibility. Slotted alongside Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach, the former first‑overall pick struggled to drive play in his first game with this expanded mandate.

At five‑on‑five, the Slafkovský–Newhook–Dach trio was heavily outshot, registering only two shot attempts while allowing 13, according to Natural Stat Trick. Slafkovský committed multiple turnovers early, including two giveaways on his second shift that preceded Carolina’s opening goal by Taylor Hall. He later cut the deficit to 5–4 in the third period, but his subdued reaction underlined a night dominated by frustration.

Captain Nick Suzuki noted that his teammate tries to make a play with the puck every time he touches it, adding that such an approach is not realistic on every possession at NHL pace. He pointed to the need for Slafkovský to stay composed rather than forcing plays when irritation creeps into his game, something Suzuki said he also has to manage in his own case.

Head coach Martin St‑Louis focused more on the team’s overall performance, describing a mismatch in rhythm and pace against a Hurricanes club that thrives on puck possession and winning battles. He stressed that against such an opponent, careless neutral‑zone turnovers are particularly damaging and that his players must be more willing to put pucks in smart areas and support one another.

Demidov out and limited options up front

The contest served as an early stress test for a Canadiens core that has largely avoided significant injuries in recent seasons. Demidov, who was struck in the foot by a Fabian Zetterlund shot during a pre‑season game in Trois‑Rivières on September 21, will miss between two and four weeks with a lower‑body issue after playing the first two games of the regular season. He was introduced in a suit rather than a jersey during the pre‑game ceremony.

In his absence, St‑Louis does not have many straightforward options to build two reliable scoring lines. Zachary Bolduc strengthened his case for a bigger role by scoring twice, giving him three goals in as many games shortly after signing a four‑year deal that secures his place in the organization. The Quebec forward has repeatedly started seasons hot and now has another chance to prove he can sustain that production.

Alexandre Texier has shown in the past he can step into a top‑nine role in short bursts, making him another candidate to help bridge the gap. Dach, however, saw the ice only three times in the third period, including once after the empty‑net goal, an indication that the coaching staff remains cautious about his current form.

Hard lessons for Florian Xhekaj and a rough night for Dobeš

On the wing, Florian Xhekaj, who earned his spot with a strong training camp, got a crash course in the difference between pre‑season and meaningful games. His first shift was lively as he threw a hit on Nikolaj Ehlers, tangled with him physically and even generated a shot attempt. For the rest of the night, though, he spent long stretches hemmed in his own end and finished at minus‑3, on the ice for a fluky Eric Robinson goal and two other Hurricanes markers where he could not diffuse the pressure.

In goal, Jakub Dobeš was unable to replicate the calmer form he showed late last season. Through three games, he carries a 4.43 goals‑against average and an .857 save percentage. Several sequences saw him scrambling well outside his crease, sometimes exacerbated by chaotic play in front of him. On one such play he drifted into K’Andre Miller’s path, the collision cost him his glove and added to the sense of disarray in Montreal’s defensive zone.

The Bell Centre crowd still found time to serenade a fan named Huguette as her birthday was celebrated on the big screen, but the mood on the ice was more sober. Over the coming weeks, the Canadiens’ priority will be to help Slafkovský grow into a line‑driving role and to stabilize their supporting cast while waiting for Demidov’s return.