When Nick Suzuki stretches his appearances, the Canadiens are rotten

Nick Suzuki had a decent season, but nothing more.

He has 22 points (eight goals) in 28 games since the start of the 2023-2024 campaign, which isn’t terrible. Still, we’re talking about decent offensive production for a player who earns almost eight million dollars a season ($7.875 million, to be more precise).

But it’s not just the points that are important in Nick Suzuki’s case.

The Habs’ #14 wears the “C” on his jersey because he’s a leader. Because he’s the club’s undisputed attacking leader. Because he’s mature. Because he’s…

You see where I’m going with this.

But the captain of a sports team must also set an example for his team-mates, and Suzuki still has a lot to learn in that respect.

Because sometimes, he’s on the ice too long.

Samuel Thibault, Desk Chief at L’Antichambre (RDS), revealed some eye-popping statistics: when Suzuki spends an average of more than one minute per appearance on the ice during a game, the Habs’ record is 1-7-0.

He has not collected a point in eight games under such circumstances…

And conversely, when Suzuki averages less than one minute of ice time per game, the Habs’ record is 11-6-3. He has 22 points in 20 games when he’s not stretching his presence:

That’s pretty telling thanks.

The guys have to be disciplined and they know that spending too much time on the ice during a shift can lead to a goal or a penalty due to fatigue.

These things are learned at the amateur level, after all.

Suzuki, as a leader, has to lead by example, or it may not change. It’s important that this happens now, when the club is rebuilding.

It’s by building good habits that the Habs will get to where they want to be in a few years’ time.

Breaking news

– Mattias Norlinder was all smiles at Rocket training.

Hi Norli #GoRocket pic.twitter.com/aDPuSlPZil

– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) December 11, 2023

– Well done.

Strike / Radio concilliation at BPM today pic.twitter.com/5Sr89ecIHg

– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) December 11, 2023

– He’s a good coach.

– He’s special, SGA.