Nick Suzuki isn't done developing his elite toolbox

Sure, you could argue that Nick Suzuki, the captain of the Montreal Canadiens, isn't a number-one centre, but why would you?

Montreal was reeling from a 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on March 28, the Habs' fifth-consecutive loss, as the wildcard race was tightening up.

Martin St. Louis needed a spark, and often that spark comes from the veteran's or the top line. Lane Hutson also chips in as often as possible. But the captain has elevated his game to another level, willing his team to win, and providing the crucial offensive spark to drive the Habs back into the win column.

I would say that his nine points in the Habs' last four games are indicative of a guy who is tired of watching hockey from his couch after April 16 each year. Since 2021, it has become the reality that the Habs are rebuilding and the playoffs are a pipe dream.

Until now.

The Canadiens had a sloppy first period against the Flyers on Saturday night, and Suzuki will be the first to admit that fact. But when the chips were down, and the Canadiens needed a hero, he was out there on the penalty kill defending a one-goal lead. But the one-goal lead was far from enough insurance for his liking.

So, he made a strong effort to force a turnover in the low slot in front of Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson, and he fired it five-hole for a 3-1 lead, with well over nine minutes to play in the final frame.

If you have watched the Habs play in any capacity lately, you have seen the many details that Suzuki's game is famous for. He does all the little things right, and when the team needs a hero, he has no problem being called upon.

From the Ontario Hockey League scoring three back-to-back 90-plus point seasons, to now having the second-best statistical season (83 points) since 2007-08, behind only Alex Kovalev (84 points).

This article is about Suzuki, but the tying goal against the Flyers last night from Hutson was ridiculous, and I think emphatically silenced any Calder Trophy questions.

This team has gone through plenty of hardships, and before the Four Nations Face-Off, the Habs were essentially packing it up for a top-five draft pick in June. But that isn't the case anymore, this version of the Habs is dangerous, and likened to a crocodile let loose on a chicken farm.

Nashville is next on the schedule, with a 7 pm start against the Nashville Predators on Sunday night, and Montreal is looking to complete a two-win weekend. I expect that Suzuki, Hutson and the rest of the Habs will be dialled in down the stretch, with the playoffs within reach.

St. Louis's squad is so close, but it can all fall apart, so they will need to stay prepared, and essentially win out through their final six games.

Hutson 65? Caufield 40? Suzuki 90?

As we speak, Nick Suzuki, the captain is seven points shy of hitting 90, and with six games, the rate he is scoring at, tells me that it is a very real possibility.

Cole Caufield, who scored his 35th of the season on Thursday night against the Boston Bruins, was held off the scoresheet against the Flyers on Saturday night. But five goals over the final six games is an achievable feat for No. 13.

Then there is Lane Hutson, who has 63 points, and his next one ties him with Chris Chelios (64 points), who holds the Habs rookie defenseman scoring record. Is 65 points a possibility? Why not, I honestly wouldn't put it past him to score 70 points.

What more can I say folks? This team is one to get behind, and help them push into the playoffs. If they do, who knows what can happen.