Nick Suzuki’s Three-Pointer Night: A Refreshing Relief for the Canadiens’ Offense

Hockey Canadien: Relief for Captain Nick Suzuki with Three-Point Night

Introduction

In a dramatic overtime victory, Montreal Canadiens’ captain Nick Suzuki finally had a breakout performance after a slow start to the season. Suzuki played a pivotal role in the team’s offensive attack, contributing to three of the four goals scored by the Canadiens. This much-needed breakthrough, including a goal of his own, brought a sense of relief to Suzuki and lifted a weight off his shoulders. While this may not be the first time he has struggled to find the back of the net early in a season, there is no cause for panic. Suzuki’s performance, combined with the potential return of injured forward Sean Monahan, raises questions about the need for a skilled right winger to support Suzuki and budding star Cole Caufield.

The Relief of Breaking the Ice

Suzuki’s goal early in the second period, a precise wrist shot, provided a sense of relief not only for him but for the entire team. The goal seemed to lighten his load and allow him to play with more confidence. Suzuki expressed his relief after the game, stating, “I felt a bit lighter after that. It was a relief. I can now move on.” It is essential to remember that this is not the first time Suzuki has faced a slow start. In his rookie season, he took seven games to score his first goal, and in the 2021-2022 season, it took him eleven games. Despite these initial struggles, Suzuki concluded the latter season with an impressive 61 points, including 21 goals. Therefore, it is premature to panic about Suzuki’s performance this early in the season.

Fellow teammate Cole Caufield echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think I was happier than him. He’s playing well. There might be some things he wants to adjust, but he’s our guy. We’re all proud of him.” It is evident that Suzuki’s teammates recognize his talent and potential, understanding that he will find his stride as the season progresses.

The Need for a Winger

To increase the chances of both Suzuki and Caufield having a successful season, the Canadiens will need to find a right winger who can keep up with their offensive prowess. This is not a criticism of Rafael Harvey-Pinard, who returned to his position on the first line after Josh Anderson filled in against the Devils. In fact, it was Harvey-Pinard’s work along the boards that allowed Suzuki to score his goal. Nor is it a critique of Anderson’s abilities, as the powerful winger brings his own strengths to the ice. However, it is clear that he lacks the necessary vision to complement the two young stars.

Sean Monahan emerges as the logical choice to complete this dynamic duo. When asked about potential line combinations, assistant coach Martin St-Louis consistently mentions Monahan as a viable option. St-Louis believes that when Dvorak returns from injury, more options will become available. Dvorak, currently on the long-term injured reserve, will be eligible to return to the lineup next Saturday against St. Louis. Monahan possesses the qualities of both Harvey-Pinard and Anderson in a single player. As a left-shot, unlike Suzuki, Monahan will provide St-Louis with an additional option in faceoffs, particularly during crucial moments that this line is expected to face. Once Dvorak returns, St-Louis will have an extra centerman to work with, allowing him to insert him between Tanner Pearson and Brendan Gallagher and move Monahan to the right flank of the first unit.

The Fortuitous Opportunity

The ever-changing nature of sports is astounding. Not long ago, many questioned how General Manager Kent Hughes could move forward with the $4.5 million contract of a 27-year-old forward like Monahan. Now, there is a strong desire for his return. Perhaps if Kirby Dach had not suffered a season-ending injury in the second game, Monahan would have already found himself in the Canadiens’ lineup. St-Louis was hesitant to give center responsibilities to Alex Newhook at the start of the season, preferring to give him playing time on the left wing. However, Dach’s injury allowed them to discover that Newhook remains comfortable and effective in the center position. Every time he steps on the ice, something significant happens. Last night’s game was no exception, as his tenacity created scoring opportunities for Mike Matheson and Anderson.

Conclusion

Nick Suzuki’s three-point night brought a great sense of relief to him and the Montreal Canadiens. It is crucial to remember that his slow start to the season is not unprecedented, and his talent and potential cannot be overlooked. However, to ensure a successful season for both Suzuki and Caufield, the Canadiens should explore the possibility of acquiring a skilled right winger, possibly Sean Monahan. This addition would provide the necessary support to boost the offensive capabilities of the young stars and elevate the team’s overall performance. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Suzuki continues to evolve and make significant contributions to the Canadiens’ success.