Montreal Canadiens Juraj Slafkovsky scores first NHL goal and taunts Arizona Coyotes Josh Brown
(Screenshot/ Bally Sportd)

Juraj Slafkovsky is going to be a fan favorite in Montreal.

The 2022 NHL first-overall draft pick scored his first career goal NHL Thursday night at Bell Centre. The Habs were hosting the Arizona Coyotes in their third game of the 2022-23 NHL season.

Slafkovsky took a dirty hit up high from Coyotes’ defenseman Josh Brown along the boards that he clearly didn’t appreciate. Slafkovsky got right back into the play, received a pass in the slot and wired a shot past goaltender Connor Brown for his first NHL tally.

Instead of the usual goal celebration, Slafkovsy immediately started yelling in the face of Coyotes’ Brown. It was an instant karma moment after Brown laid a questionable hit on Slafvovksy seconds earlier. Slafkovksy got sweet, sweet revenge.

Check out the great sequence below:

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Not many players would have the confidence to chirp an opposing player after scoring their first NHL goal. Slafkovsy is built different, however — both figuratively and literally. At 6’3″, 218 lbs, he’s already one of the heaviest NHL players.

While Slafkovsy taunting Brown was a pretty savage move, there was a wholesome moment on the bench soon after. Montreal veteran Brendan Gallagher told Slafkovsky to wave to the fans who were cheering for him. Slafkovsky was all smiles as he followed Gallagher’s advice and acknowledged the crowd.

Slafkovsky has the potential to be something special for Montreal. While he was always a projected top pick in the Draft, Montreal surprised everyone by taking him first overall. Shane Wright was the consensus first-overall pick heading into the draft.

Aside from his incredible size, Slafkovsky’s lethal wrist shot is one of the key reasons he wound up going first overall. His release on his first NHL goal proves he’s more than ready for the big leagues.

The Montreal rookies stole the show Thursday night, as rookie defenseman Arber Xhekaj also went viral for pummeling Zack Kassian in a fight. The Canadiens must be stoked about their young guns in the early goings of the season.

Montreal is off to start after finishing near the bottom of the NHL standings last year. You have to love the attitude from Slafkovsky after scoring his first NHL goal.