Is Nick Suzuki really at risk of being the odd man out for Team Canada?
After comments from Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast suggesting Suzuki could be scratched when Brad Marchand joins the lineup, I take a closer look at the situation.
Team Canada has been successful so far—but I don’t think they’ve fully clicked yet. There are still some kinks to work out in the lines, the power play hasn’t quite reached the level you’d expect, and even players like MacKinnon don’t look fully activated at times.
I break down where Suzuki fits, who might actually be more vulnerable, and what lineup changes could help Canada reach another level as the tournament heats up.
With practice coming up, we may start getting real answers very soon.
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32 Comments
i trust cooper to make the right choice he knows his players. i would love to see him keep suzuki for pk and defensive plays
Everyone can play systems, and Suzuki is a system player.
But when it comes to grit, grind, and heart no matter the competition,… he doesn't seem to have it.
From a MTL resident and Fan here
From the training lineup, you've hit a nail.
Nick hasn't looked right all year for the habs, regardless of his point production. He should never have gone to the olympics. Would much rather him heal up.
I like your Idea for Suzuki as a center. Looking forward to seeing what cooper comes up with.
They take out Suzuki then they lose a center and can't do the McKinnon McDavid and celebrini line
Yeah I hope Suzuki stays in the lineup but honestly I rarely even notices him on the ice. Even defensively I don't notice him. I know he wears #10, that's it!
So happy to see your post!! Keep up the great work
Elliot…Marchand instead of Suzi, really??
Im sorry but Suzu brings far more value than marchy currently
Nick has troble winning a faceoff when it is important.
If Cooper sees something in Suzuki, that isn't immediately visible like points, while staying very valuable, then he'll keep him in. Jon Cooper isn't some chump. He's an experienced and successful coach. Probably one of the better coaches in the league. He knows what he needs and doesn't need, and will make adjustments if needed. We don't have to see it as anything else than what it is. Jon Cooper doesn't stop at points or highlights, he looks at everything.
Today practice
Hagel Suzuki Reinhart
That makes sense now Suzuki is at center and he has two wingers that can score.
Je n'ai pas trop regardé les matches du Canada à part en highlight, et c'est quand même fou que je me demande s'il était dans les alignements au début des matchs. anyways pour vraiment savoir ça serait le fun que quelqu'un fasse une vidéo de tous ses shifts. On verra bien s'il est vraiment invisible ou s'il etait vraiment bon à ce rôle plus effacé.
Seth jarvis will sit
Playing Suzuki on wing was an odd choice… sam rheinhart should be on right wing with mckinnen and suzuki should go down to play centre on lower line.
Friedman is an old head that hasn’t played hockey since he was a child… seth jarvis will sit
Seth was the odd man out from jump…
He could be that one guy that comes through when it matters at the most important time of the tournament. He’s known to show up every time when it matters , it his style , it all about faith !
Nick was never supposed to play with Mackinnon. Thought he'd be the perfect 4th line center with Bennett and Wilson. I never had him as 2RW.
Why would John Cooper take out one of his best penalty killers? Suzuki is being used like Jake Evans rn. I dont see him out.
Suzuki is trash. Guy plays way too timid for this level. Fucks up every play. U can tell hes nervous and doesnt belong there.
I just had to come back to this video immediately because YOU PREDICTED IT!!! YOU WERE RIGHT!!! SUZUKI OUR GOAT!! This just proves what I said in my other comments that I know you saw, you’re an amazing content creator and we LOVE what you have to say!! Especially when you’re right! (About the good things obviously, sometimes bad things are true too, but this was amazing)
Well after the game today I think anyone who thought Suzuki should be scratched is eating their words, big step up when Sid went off. What a goal too.
Welp…whomever thought he should be scratched…pls give your head a shake 😆 Suzi was instrumental in this game! He was a beast on his goal. 200ft goal finished by one of the best deflections you'll ever see
SUZUKI TIESSSSSS THE GAME 3-3? WHOOOOOHOOOO
Well he wasn’t scratched and he might have a deflection named after him.
This aged so well after the CZE game🙏🏽
This aged like a fine wine !
Their not scratching Suzuki that just ridiculous
Friedman always include the canadiens spills is bulshit for clics, or invent some trade, the ways Hughes works so far is very discreet, he’s full of shit
Turns out the answer was technically no. But effectively YES.