Montreal Canadiens Three Stars in Rematch vs Vancouver Canucks

Nick Suzuki

For many years, the Habs lacked a true first line centre. We have seen them try to wedge David Desharnais and Phillip Danault into that role for the past decade, but no one thought either player was a true number one centre.

In just his second NHL season, Suzuki is proving to be the true first line centre that the Habs have needed for a very long time.

Last night, Suzuki didn’t even really have a highlight reel play at all, but that’s what makes him special. He doesn’t need to deke around a pair of defensemen or fly by everyone on the ice and score a beautiful goal to be effective.

The young centre just does everything right on every shift. He picks up his man on the back check, he gets in the proper position defensively, he forces turnovers, he makes smart passes to get the puck out of his own zone and he finds his wingers, Jonathan Drouin and Josh Anderson in the offensive zone to create scoring chances.

In the first period last night, Suzuki would get two assists, just by making the right play at the right time.

On the Habs first goal, Josh Anderson was rushing for a loose puck so Suzuki got in position to receive a quick pass. Once he got the puck, he moved it to Ben Chiarot at the point who fired it on net. Anderson crashed to the crease and banged in the rebound.

Suzuki’s second assist was because he was in position high in the offensive zone and stopped a clearing attempt by picking off a pass. He then moved the puck to Brett Kulak at the point who fired it on net. Once again Anderson got a stick on it and tipped it into the net to make it 2-0.

Two subtle plays followed by two quick, smart passes led to two assists for the Canadiens new first line centre.