Nick Suzuki has faced challenges in the faceoff circle recently, impacting his performance and that of the Montreal Canadiens. According to a recent episode of the Sick Podcast, Suzuki’s statistics over the last seven games have fallen below expectations.
Struggles in the FaceOff Circle
In his past seven matches, Suzuki has achieved a faceoff win percentage of only 38.3%. Notably, he has won less than half of his faceoffs in six of those games. In the latest game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Suzuki’s performance dipped significantly. He lost 19 out of 24 faceoffs, resulting in a record low efficiency of 20.8%.
Decline from Earlier Performance
In contrast, Suzuki’s earlier season performance was solid. During October and November, he boasted a faceoff win rate of 51.7%. His success in the faceoff circle contributed positively to the Canadiens’ competitive edge during those months.
Recent Contributions
Despite his struggles, Suzuki has managed to collect six points over the last seven games. This suggests that while his faceoff performance has waned, he has otherwise contributed positively to the team’s offense. The captain’s overall play remains strong, highlighting the need to improve specifically in the faceoff circle.
Looking Ahead
To enhance the Canadiens’ chances of securing victories, Suzuki must refocus on his faceoff techniques. Improvement in this area could change the team’s dynamics in future games.
Other Team News
- The Canadiens are preparing for upcoming matches with a focus on improving faceoff statistics.
- Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres expressed excitement about a change in management.
- Brett Pesce is set to return soon after being activated from injured reserve.