As Team Canada prepares for a high-stakes showdown against Finland in the Milan Olympics, all eyes are on Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki. With Sidney Crosby sidelined, Suzuki has transitioned from a supporting player to a cornerstone of the national team’s leadership, earning the ultimate endorsement from a hockey icon.
High praise from «The Messier»
It is not every day that a Hall of Famer like Mark Messier singles you out. Speaking on CBC Olympics, the legendary leader was emphatic about Suzuki’s impact on the international stage:
«Nick Suzuki is probably the most underrated two-way player in the league,» Messier stated.
For fans in Montreal and across Canada, this isn’t just hyperbole; it’s a recognition of Suzuki’s evolution into the world’s elite. His performance in Milan—highlighted by a clutch, game-tying goal with just 3:27 left against the Czech Republic last Wednesday—has proven he belongs on the first line of any roster.
A dream season goes global
Suzuki’s Olympic dominance is a logical extension of his career-best season with the Canadiens. Before the NHL break, the 26-year-old center was already rewriting the record books in Montreal:
- Offensive Powerhouse: With 65 points (18G, 47A) in 57 games, he is currently projected to finish the season with a staggering 94 points.
- Two-Way Dominance: His +25 rating and average ice time of 20:43 reflect a player who controls the game at both ends of the ice, including vital minutes on the penalty kill.
- Leading the Habs: Under his captaincy, the Canadiens sit 2nd in the Atlantic Division with a 32-17-8 record, finally providing the franchise with the true first-line center fans have craved for decades.
Stepping up for the Gold
With 440 career NHL points, Suzuki is already climbing the ranks of Montreal’s all-time greats. However, his current mission is more immediate. As Crosby’s status remains a concern, Canada will lean on Suzuki’s reliability and leadership to navigate the semifinal against Finland and secure a spot in the gold medal game.