Will there be a second Suzuki in the National Hockey League (NHL) this year? Ryan Suzuki, the brother of Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, intends to confuse the issue with the Carolina Hurricanes.
The 22-year-old center was named the starting star of the Canes’ preseason game against the Florida Panthers, which they won 4-1. Suzuki scored a goal, the second of Carolina’s three-pointers in as many minutes.
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The Ontario native, who was the Hurricanes’ first-round pick (28th overall) in 2019, is entering his fourth professional season. Suzuki has been happy with his playing time in the American League so far. He has 32 points in 50 games with the Chicago Wolves in 2022-2023.
In front of the “Ouragans” goal, Quebecer Yaniv Perets was hardly tested by the Panthers during the half hour he spent on the ice. The Quinnipac University product blocked all six pucks directed his way.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi also had a strong game with two assists. The Finn showed great generosity by playing a perfect pass to Stefan Noesen in the slot and also feeding Michael Bunting.
Spencer Knight played the entire game for the Panthers. Only Gerald Mayhew scored for the visitors at PNC Arena.
A classic from the “Isles”
In New York, the Islanders stayed true to form and didn’t need much of an offensive performance to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1.
The “Isles” relied on the excellent Ilya Sorokin, the Russian made twelve saves on as many shots. Ken Appleby then only gave in to former Canadian Ryan Poehling.
Julien Gauthier got going by scoring on the power play. The Quebecer will look to start the season with the big club after signing a two-year contract this summer.
Simon Holmstrom was the Islanders’ other scorer when he deflected in Travis Mitchell’s point shot, which had already been deflected by Mathew Barzal.
Felix Sandstrom and Samuel Ersson shared the duties in front of the Flyers cage.