St. Louis Effect Helps Suzuki Rediscover His Game | MHN+
Nick Suzuki is displaying a renewed vigor on the ice, reminiscent of his performance during the Montreal Canadiens’ 2021 Stanley Cup Final run. Under the guidance of interim head coach Martin St. Louis, Suzuki has scored a goal and provided two assists in back-to-back games, contributing to the Canadiens’ 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. This resurgence comes after a challenging period for Suzuki and the team.
Resilience and Revival
The 22-year-old center has shown remarkable determination, recording four goals and nine assists in 11 games since St. Louis took over as head coach. Brendan Gallagher, a veteran teammate, commended Suzuki’s ability to navigate the challenges that come with being a young player in the league. “He’s dealing with a lot of things that a lot of young players don’t have to deal with,” Gallagher noted, after his own performance that included a goal and an assist after ending an 18-game scoring drought.
Performance Stats
- Games Played Under St. Louis: 11
- Points Scored: 13 (4 goals, 9 assists)
- Recent Game Highlights: 2 assists on Saturday against Edmonton
Expectations and Contract Extension
After finishing the 2020-2021 season with 41 points in 56 games, Suzuki’s potential seemed boundless. The Canadiens demonstrated their trust in him by signing him to an eight-year contract extension worth $7.875 million AAV, even before his entry-level contract expired. However, the team faced setbacks, including the loss of key players and injuries that hindered his performance early in the season.
Despite these obstacles, Suzuki has found his rhythm again, matching his previous offensive production pace. Gallagher emphasized that St. Louis has fine-tuned Suzuki’s game. “Marty’s come in and understood there are areas where he could make him better,” he said.
Partnership with Cole Caufield
Suzuki’s revival has coincided with the impressive play of Cole Caufield. Together, they form a potent offensive duo, having produced over 55% of the Canadiens’ offense since being reunited by St. Louis. Their recent form, with both players contributing 12 points in their last eight games, has made them one of the NHL’s most dynamic lines.
Future Prospects for Suzuki
The Canadiens, guided by general manager Kent Hughes and executive vice president Jeff Gorton, are in better shape than many rebuilding teams, thanks to a cornerstone player like Suzuki. His growing role as a No. 1 center has been firmly established under St. Louis, who has consistently logged him over 20 minutes of ice time each game. Gallagher remains optimistic about Suzuki’s future, believing he is far from reaching his peak potential.
With mental toughness and the backing of a confident coaching staff, Suzuki’s journey seems poised for continued success in the NHL.
