Suzuki's Path to Offense

Workshop 39 Recording

Two weeks ago, I briefly discuss why Nick Suzuki, an excellent young player, is struggling as the Montreal Canadiens’ undisputed No. 1 center.

Jack Han @JhanHky

The biggest victim of Danault's absence is going to be Suzuki. Not only will he be seeing opposing top pairs and top lines, but he'll also be expected to drive play AND score for a team without a ton of high-end skill.

Jack Han @JhanHky

Some skill players tend to overplay under pressure. Other tend to err on the side of caution. Suzuki has shown to be the second type of player in the NHL. If not surrounded with more speed and skill, look for him to gradually simplify his game.

Jack Han @JhanHky

Suzuki playing a simple game is not a great path forward for him or for MTL, because he's at his best playing off the pass and using his teammates instead of grinding in the corners.

Jack Han @JhanHky

Three solutions: 1) MTL brings in a difference-maker to play on another line to take heat off Suzuki 2) Unite Suzuki with Gallagher, a puck hound and an underrated transition driver 3) Find an active Dman to help Suzuki like Sean Durzi used to help him in the OHL

In recent days, MTL tries Option 2 by uniting Suzuki with triggerman Mike Hoffman and retriever Brendan Gallagher.

The move kick-starts Suzuki’s point production (four assists in three games), but MTL14 continues to underwhelm as a creator.

With Suzuki on the bench, MTL is a mediocre generator of shot volume. With Suzuki on the ice, the team is among the worst in the league.

Why?

Consider the diagram below. Consider it the Tao of Suzuki - the path he needs take to create offense.

What are the implications? I’ll explain below.