The scoreboard told a story of defeat, but if you looked past the numbers and the dejected faces at Bell Centre, a different scene unfolded—a flash of blue, red, and white as Juraj Slafkovsky spun past defenders, threading the puck with a confidence that seemed almost out of place on such a brutal night. While the Colorado Avalanche unleashed wave after wave of offense, leaving Montreal scrambling and Jakub Dobes stranded, Slafkovsky carved out a narrative of his own, one that Martin St-Louis simply could not ignore.

From the opening whistle, the Canadiens looked overwhelmed. Every shift was a battle, every zone a minefield. The Avalanche dictated the pace, and for most of the roster, the game felt like survival. Yet, amid the chaos, Slafkovsky was electric—skating with purpose, driving the play, and injecting life into a team desperate for a spark. His chemistry with Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov on the second line was unmistakable, each pass and setup a reminder of why the Habs made him their first-overall pick. It wasn’t just a good game; it was a statement.

Mitch Gallo called it out: “Juraj Slafkovsky was the Habs’ best forward.” And there was no room for debate. Slafkovsky’s signature move—a spin-around assist on Demidov’s goal—was the kind of play that turns heads and changes momentum, even in a losing effort. Later, he nearly set up Demidov for another highlight-reel moment, showing a vision and creativity that’s beginning to define his role in Montreal’s offense. For a player who’s faced questions about consistency and confidence, this stretch of games marks a turning point. Slafkovsky isn’t just keeping up; he’s leading.

It’s a transformation that’s hard to miss. Earlier in the season, St-Louis challenged his young players to “check the last box”—to find consistency, to become drivers rather than passengers. Slafkovsky has answered, elevating his game night after night, and now he’s the engine of a line that suddenly looks dangerous every time it hits the ice. You can see the shift in his body language, the assertiveness in his decisions, and the way he’s taking ownership of the team’s offensive rhythm. It’s as if he’s unlocked a new level, and with Kapanen and Demidov alongside him, the Canadiens have a trio capable of turning any matchup into a showcase.

Even as the losses pile up and frustration simmers, Slafkovsky’s emergence offers a reason for hope—a bright spot on a dark night, and a glimpse of what the future might hold if Montreal can harness this momentum. The fans may have left disappointed, but those who watched closely saw something different: a young forward stepping into the spotlight, ready to carry the weight and expectations of a storied franchise.

The question now isn’t whether Slafkovsky belongs at center stage—it’s how high he can climb, and how quickly the Canadiens can build around his growing confidence. In a season defined by ups and downs, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

Photo of Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis, Ivan Demidov and Juraj Slafkovsky against the Colorado Avalanche.

Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL

In a game where the Montreal Canadiens were dominated by the Colorado Avalanche, a young forward still managed to capture St-Louis’ attention.

Even though the final score didn’t please the fans, a positive glimmer could still be seen in the middle of a difficult night for everyone. The Habs got pushed around in all zones, and even poor Jakub Dobes couldn’t work miracles in front of the avalanche of chances.

However, Slafkovsky’s play and current level is becoming difficult for Martin St-Louis to ignore.

How Juraj Slafkovsky is becoming an offensive driver for the Canadiens

In this chaos, one player rose above the fray: Juraj Slafkovsky. According to Mitch Gallo, Slaf was the Canadiens’ best forward yesterday and I am 100% in agreement.

“Juraj Slafkovsky was the Habs’ best forward.

Slafkovsky has been a streaky player early in his career, which isn’t unusual for young guys trying to find their footing. After the Toronto game last week, Martin St. Louis even pointed out that “the last box for young players to check is consistency.” Well, Slafkovsky is putting together a genuinely strong stretch right now where he’s standing out night after night.

His move to the second line with Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov seems to suit him – with those two, he’s the guy driving the line. His spin-around setup on Demidov’s goal was a smart, creative play, and he fed Demidov again later for a look that just sailed high. Montreal has every reason to be encouraged by this run from their first-overall pick.”

Slafkovsky is finally playing like a guy who understands his role and wants to take charge of it. You can see that he’s “unlocking another level,” as Mitch Gallo put it, and it completely changes the rhythm of the line with Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov.

Even in a loss, he looked like the Canadiens’ best forward.