Video: Brad Marchand and Nick Suzuki develop their chemistry off the ice

Jonathan Di Gregorio
Video: Brad Marchand and Nick Suzuki develop their chemistry off the ice
Credit: NHL.com

Ahead of their first game next Thursday, the Canadian hockey team began practicing today.

Although nothing is set in stone, we got a first glimpse of the forward trios and defensive duos that Canada could field to start the Olympic tournament.

There are several interesting combinations, including Brad Marchand, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nick Suzuki.

However, it remains to be seen how Marchand and Suzuki will click on the ice, as the two players have mostly been rivals up to this point.

For now, things seem to be going well off the ice.

In a video where the Habs captain answers a reporter's questions about chemistry, Marchand can be heard doing his best impression, saying, “Yes, my name is Nick Suzuki,” then repeating less audibly, “My name is beautiful, pretty,” with a slightly exaggerated accent for the joke.

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It seemed to amuse Suzuki and the reporter.

It's good to see that, the guys seem to be having fun together, and that's usually a good thing for developing chemistry in a fast-paced tournament.

And even though Marchand can be detestable to his opponents (and their fans) on the ice, he really seems like a funny guy in the locker room and a good teammate who will help the chemistry of the Canadiens as a whole.

In fact, that may be the kind of thing that tipped the scales when Team Canada executives chose the Panthers forward over other more talented players.

Not to mention that Marchand practices with MacKinnon during the summer and the two already know each other well, even though Marchand says he spends most of his time chasing the Avalanche forward.

If the Marchand, MacKinnon, and Suzuki line remains intact by the start of the tournament, I think this is a line that could work really well, especially in 5-on-5 situations.

In short, between Suzuki's vision, Marchand's energy and toughness, and MacKinnon's ability to do just about anything, these three players could be very tough for their opponents to face.


Overtime

– Your predictions?

– Victory for the Czechs.

– Captain America.

– It's flashing!

– Raptors win.

– What a performance!

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