The Montreal Canadiens are now just four wins away from making it to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in five years. They are set to take on a more than formidable opponent in the Carolina Hurricanes, who went a perfect 8-0 in the first two rounds of the playoffs. But the Hurricanes have yet to take on a team that has the scoring power that the Canadiens possess.
While the power play has been one of Montreal's main strengths, they do need to do more in even strength situations. Specifically, on the top line. It was a huge problem for the team through the first two rounds, in which the trio of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky failed to produce offensively.
Suzuki spoke with reporters on Wednesday, and reiterated that Montreal's top line must be more productive, especially if they want to have any chance to beat Carolina.
"Five-on-five, definitely got to try to find a way to produce more if we're going to keep moving forward," said Suzuki. "It's not one big thing that's missing. It's just little plays here and there. I think all three of us can do a better job. Definitely exciting to for our group where we haven't been producing at where we usually are. Guys have stepped up and helped us out and we've got to return the favor and play a little better."
Nick Suzuki knows Canadiens top line must be more productive if they want to defeat Hurricanes in Eastern Conference Finals
It is a bit difficult to believe that the Canadiens, who were tied for the sixth most goals in five-on-five situations in the regular season with 184. Ironically, they are tied with the Hurricanes. But once the playoffs came around, the top line just disappears on five-on-five hockey.
Through 14 games in these playoffs, the trio of Suzuki, Slafkovsky, and Caufield were outscored 10-3 on five-on-five. Caufield and Slafkovsky have just one point each on even strength, while Suzuki has five. That's not ideal for Montreal, especially as the strength of opponents gets tougher, and that starts with the Hurricanes. In fact, Carolina has only allowed six goals on five-on-five, which is the fewest by any team through the first two rounds of the playoffs.
As Suzuki mentioned, other players have stepped up on even strength chances. Alex Newhook is one who stands out, who leads the team with nine even strength points. Jake Evans and Alexandre Texier have the second most on the team with seven.
But the trio are incredibly productive when it comes to the power play in these playoffs. Suzuki, Caufield, and Slafkovsky all have eight points each on the power play, which ranks second-best among all players participating in the playoffs.
Suzuki knows that the top line must step up in five-on-five situations, especially as they take on a tough Hurricanes team.
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