Nick Suzuki is the first to admit: Of course, indeed, his offensive production is down these days. But does this slight detail prevent him from sleeping? The answer is no.
The answer is no because Suzuki, like La Bolduc in the past, feels that it will come, that it will come. Also, like the legendary singer, he chose not to be discouraged.
“I am not worried, he replied on this subject, Monday in Brossard. I am still able to make plays, to attempt shots, except that the puck does not fit… ”
If there’s one thing you wouldn’t wish on anyone, let alone a hockey player, it’s to live a life without the pleasure of seeing a puck come in, or more.
This scene of pure happiness, Suzuki was able to taste it quite often at the start of the season, among others during a series of 11 points in its first 10 games of the season. His offensive pace was such that he was heading straight for a 100-point season, something no Canadiens player has been able to do since Mats Näslund in 1985-1986.
But that’s all just a dim memory, and obviously it’s harder these days. Here he is caught in a one-point drought in six games. He has only one goal to his name since December 19.
“I try to continue doing what I know how to do, without ever cutting corners,” he added. I don’t feel like I’m different from who I was at the start of the season. I still want to play well, play well in all facets.
“My offensive production hasn’t been the same lately, but I’m getting scoring chances, at least. I missed an empty net in the previous game [samedi à Ottawa]… so I have to stay confident and above all not give up. »
Martin St-Louis, who isn’t used to worrying, isn’t worried about his captain either.
“People are sure to watch his offensive performance,” replied the Montreal coach on Monday. He’s still a young player, and we’re trying to get him to perfect his overall game. Sure it’s fun when he’s rewarded with points, but he’s smart, and he’s got enough talent to know how to navigate that. So I’m not worried. »
“100% in my form”
There is also that the absentee clinic is seriously overflowing with the Canadian, and that it is in this clinic that Cole Caufield, Suzuki’s business partner, is located.
“Not playing with him is a change for me, definitely,” he admitted. But I have to try to build something with the other players who are here… I just try to play my game, whoever is here.
“It’s all a bit strange, there are some guys missing on the ice and in the locker room, but it gives an opportunity for others to be able to try to get noticed at the moment. »
Finally, we obviously live in a digital age that sometimes isn’t so fabulous, and in the annoyance department, there’s no doubt the rumors that don’t stop. Among them: the Nick Suzuki that we see these days would be slowed down by an injury…
The main interested party swears that this is not the case.
“I’m not 100% fit, but it’s close,” he replied. At the same time, that’s no excuse, because there are plenty of guys playing through injuries in this league. This is the harsh reality of the NHL…”
One last full workout before the break
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Jake Allen
The Canadiens held one last full practice before the All-Star break, and the break at all, in view of Tuesday night’s game at the Bell Center against the Ottawa Senators, which the club will start with Jake Allen in net. Although the Canadian hasn’t dreamed of the playoffs for a few weeks now, the break is still timely, since the list of injured continues to grow. “If you are a team for which everything is going well, you find it a shame to have to stop now, replied Martin St-Louis. But if you are a team with a lot of injuries, you are happy… We will take it, the break, it will help us. »