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Juraj Slafkovsky is likely available for Game 5 after a concerning moment in Game 4. Coach Martin St. Louis confirmed that both Slafkovsky and Josh Anderson are expected to play.
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Relief has arrived for the Montreal Canadiens after a worrying moment involving Juraj Slafkovsky in Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. With the NHL playoff series tied 2-2, his availability for Game 5 now looks likely.
NHL reporter Eric Engels shared a positive update on X. He wrote that both Slafkovsky and Josh Anderson finished the game despite leaving briefly. Engels added that coach Martin St. Louis has no indication either player will miss Game 5. The expectation is that both will be ready.
âI mean, I havenât talked to anybody today. So I donât know. My guess is yes, they both played â came back,â St. Louis said in his video call media availability on Monday. âI didnât leave the rink yesterday, thinking that they wouldnât be. Itâs just questionable.â
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The concern began late in the second period when Slafkovsky took a heavy hit from Max Crozier at center ice. He appeared shaken and went straight to the dressing room. The sequence raised fears of a serious injury, especially given his importance in the series.
However, the young forward returned for the third period and rejoined the bench. That return eased immediate concerns, and now the latest update strengthens optimism around his condition. Slafkovsky has been a key figure, including a hat trick earlier in the series.
Game 4 itself saw respond strongly. scored twice in the third period to lead a 3-2 comeback win. added a goal and an assist, while contributed two assists.
Juraj Slafkovsky is expected to play in Game 5 after finishing Game 4 despite a heavy hit.
Slafkovsky took a heavy hit from Max Crozier at center ice, which raised concerns about a serious injury.
Yes, both Juraj Slafkovsky and Josh Anderson are expected to be available for Game 5.
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Montreal had taken control earlier through Zachary Bolduc and Cole Caufield and had a 2-0 lead, but penalties and a slow third period cost them. Coach St. Louis admitted his side did not manage the final period well, saying, âWe didnât play a good enough third, I would say.â
Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky (20) reacts against the Tampa Bay Lightning during first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The hit on Slafkovsky is still under attention, with a potential review from the league due to possible head contact. However, no penalty was called during play, which added to the debate.
As the series shifts to Game 5, Montrealâs focus will be on late execution. The likely return of Slafkovsky offers a boost for the team at a crucial stage of the playoffs.