Olympics: Ice Hockey-Men Group B - SVK-FIN, team canada
Credit: David W Cerny/Reuters via Imagn Images

Montreal Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki took to the ice on Thursday morning, representing Team Canada at the Olympics for the first time in his young career.

Suzuki was used on the second line versus the Czechs, alongside Colorado Avalanche centre Nathan MacKinnon, and Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel. Given that he had practised on the fourth line on Wednesday, it signalled quite the promotion for the 26-year-old forward.

He finished the game with a goal, as Canada emerged with a well-deserved 5-0 win.

Let’s dive into the highlights!

Team Canada Highlights

It appeared that Suzuki had assisted on Canada’s first goal of the game, via a nice shot by MacKinnon, but it was called back when his stick tripped the opposing defender, leading to a powerplay for Czechia.

Regardless, it was an early glimpse of encouraging chemistry between the Canadiens captain and the Avalanche superstar.

Celebrini Finds Twine

It was a hard-fought first period with a few high-danger scoring chances, though it’s fair to say Canada held the slight edge in puck possession.

Both teams managed to take 11 shots on net, but the youngest player in the Canadian lineup made the difference, as 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini tipped a Cale Makar point shot to give his team a 1-0 lead in the dying seconds of the first frame.

Click here to see the highlight if the video is not available in the United States due to Olympic rights issues.

Canadian Lead Extended

Mark Stone authored the second Canadian goal, though we have to give Mitch Marner his fair share of praise for the excellent pass that led to the quality scoring chance, not to mention Sidney Crosby’s excellent work in the neutral zone which facilitated the play.

(Click here for a highlight video available in the United States)

Canada would go to establish a 3-0 lead late in the second period, when Bo Horvat took advantage of an excellent pass by Brad Marchand, beating Czech netminder Lukas Dostal via the five-hole.

With the ice firmly tilted in Canada’s favour, a third-period powerplay gave way to a 4-0 advantage. The fourth Canadian goal featured a pair of Nova Scotians, Crosby and MacKinnon, not to mention one of the best players in the world, Connor McDavid.

With the game winding down, Suzuki finally managed to register his name on the scoresheet, deflecting a pass from McDavid.

All things considered, it was a solid game from Suzuki, despite a few shaky shifts in the first period. He was playing on the wing, with unfamiliar linemates, but still managed to stand out for all the right reasons, including his cerebral approach to pressuring puck carriers and forcing turnovers.

Nick Suzuki and Team Canada will be back in action on Friday, facing Switzerland. The puck drop is scheduled for 3:10 pm CET (9:10 am EST).

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By Marc Dumont
Marc has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for Journal Metro, The Athletic, The ... More about Marc Dumont

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