A Winning Habit
Fansided

Montreal Canadiens: 3 Players Who Will Benefit From a Lengthy Break

By Ken MacMillan

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 30: Jonathan Drouin #92 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates with Joel Armia #40 and Max Domi #13 after scoring a goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on October 30, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Canadiens defeated the Coyotes 4-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 30: Jonathan Drouin #92 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates with Joel Armia #40 and Max Domi #13 after scoring a goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on October 30, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Canadiens defeated the Coyotes 4-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
MONTREAL, QC – FEBRUARY 25: Nick Suzuki #14 of the Montreal Canadiens (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC – FEBRUARY 25: Nick Suzuki #14 of the Montreal Canadiens (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

3. Nick Suzuki

Nick Suzuki has put together a great rookie season for the Habs. He has 41 points in 71 games and has earned the right to play full-time at center ice with his strong two-way play. He has dealt with some ups and downs throughout the season like most rookies do, and a little break before the stretch run could do him some good.

The 20 year old got off to a slow start to his NHL season with just six points in his first 17 games. He was clearly improving every game though the points did not come immediately and moved around the lineup to try and find the right fit.

Finally, Suzuki caught fire for the Habs. After his slow start, he was one of the team’s most dangerous players for a long period. He scored 34 points in 45 games, became a fixture on the top power play and earned a full-time role as a center. He showed he truly belongs in the league already and though he is not going to win the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie, he could be third on the ballot behind Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes.

Recently, the points have not been piling up for Suzuki. HIs coach even commented that Suzuki had hit a bit of a wall lately. The numbers certainly bare that out. After scoring a goal and adding an assist in a loss to the Detroit Red Wings, Suzuki went eight straight games without a point before finally getting an assist in the Habs last game against the Nashville Predators.

After hitting a proverbial wall following a lengthy stretch of fantastic play, Suzuki could definitely use a little break to get away from the game for a while. With some rest, he would come back refreshed and energized and ready to finish the season on a strong note.

Home/Editorials