The Montreal Canadiens Found Their New Dynamic Duo

The Montreal Canadiens lost 4-3 against the Edmonton Oilers in overtime last night, ending their regular season with a record of 24-21-11, or 59 points in 56 games played.

With all the North Division Playoffs spots secured, this game didn’t mean much to either team, but the Montreal Canadiens could have used a confidence boost before the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

But, their priority was to rest key players to make sure they’re healthy come playoff time, which is understandable. After barely making their way into the Playoffs, they need all of their guys at their best and ready to go.

This means the Canadiens are now headed to the Playoffs on a five-game losing streak, but it’s best to just put this regular season behind us, and focus on what’s yet to come.

The Dynamic Duo The Montreal Canadiens Need: Nick Suzuki & Cole Caufield

Head Coach Dominique Ducharme has become quite well-known for mixing up his lines, and since he had decided to rest many players last night, the Habs found themselves in the same situation once again.

Below is last night’s lineup:

We had previously seen Cole Caufield on the first line with Tyler Toffoli and Nick Suzuki, and they obviously had chemistry. But since Toffoli was out of the lineup last night, Joel Armia had to step up and play with Suzuki and Caufield. And they looked like they had been playing together forever.

Caufield scored on the first shot of the game, a little less than two minutes in. It was definitely motivating not only for him but for the entire team. Later in the first period, shortly after Edmonton’s Alex Chiasson tied the game, Suzuki followed with a shorthanded goal.

After the Oilers were up 3-2 in the third period, Suzuki got another goal thanks to a beautiful pass from Caufield.

Even though the Canadiens ended up losing the game less than 30 seconds into overtime, I wouldn’t consider it as much of a loss, especially taking into account that their top players weren’t there. We also had the chance to see what Suzuki and Caufield can do together, and that was sensational. I really hope we get to see the dynamic duo play together regularly in the Playoffs and next season.

Not only did Suzuki score two goals and Caufield get one goal and one assist (his first in the NHL), but their chemistry was also undisputable, and allowed them to connect their plays and almost anticipate where the other one would be.

For Suzuki’s second goal, it seemed like he knew exactly when Caufield was going to give him the puck. And that was not all, they also had a lot of good scoring opportunities, and it would be a shame to separate two players who complement and understand each other so well.

When I think of a dynamic duo, my mind automatically goes to Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, or Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. I know Suzuki and Caufield are far from being of that calibre, but I believe it’s completely possible for them to be the dynamic duo the Habs need in order to be successful and consistent. Now, all they need is to play together in the top 6 for a little while and keep developing into the skilled players that they are.