FORT LAUDERDALE | Gary Bettman has long dreamed of bringing hockey to the American South. At this NHL All-Star game in Florida, the commissioner has to rejoice at the images that combine the beach, the Atlantic and the sun with hockey.
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On the eve of the skill contest, NHL executives chose a patio of a ritzy Fort Lauderdale hotel to meet with the media. Nick Suzuki, Connor McDavid, Alex Ovechkin and brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk found themselves in an enchanting setting, light-years away from the arctic cold that plagues Quebec.
For the second year in a row, Suzuki is the sole representative of the Canadiens, a rebuilding team.
“It’s something special for me,” said Suzuki with a smile. I like seeing and interacting with other NHL players. I’d love to come back from the All-Star game with all the players autographed on my own jersey. And I would like to go with a piece of Ovechkin. I know Cole (Caufield) already has an Ovi Stick and I’m jealous of it. »
from learning
After questions with reporters from across North America, Suzuki sat down with NHL website’s Robert Laflamme, 98.5’s Jeremy Filosa and the author of these lines to discuss other issues more related to the CH.
The 23-year-old Suzuki has now captained just 51 games. A role he has yet to define.
“It’s still a learning phase for me,” he said. I want to be the best leader I can be. I’m still learning to speak and try to help my teammates, sometimes during a game. I want to do my best, but there are still tests. »
“I’ve now captained just over 50 games (51) in what is still a strange season. There are still weird injuries and we don’t win our games with the blue shirt! »
Patience will remain an important weapon for Suzuki, especially with a team that looks to the future rather than the present.
“We would all like to win every night, especially me,” answered number 14. I trust the team’s process. I’ve met Kent (Hughes) a few times. I didn’t want to get frustrated. There’s the human side that stands out and isn’t always obvious. »
Hoping to become a successful NHL captain, Suzuki can still look back on his days with Shea Weber, who had a reputation as a natural point guard.
“Shea had several great qualities,” he replied. But we have some things in common. He always stayed calm, but when he felt the need to, he would stand up and talk to his teammates. He had everyone’s respect. I still want to earn that respect as a young captain. I’m 23 years old and have to be a point guard for players much older than me. But I’m doing my best to get their respect. I’m happy with my work. »
In the dressing room, Suzuki doesn’t often get a chance to turn to Brendan Gallagher and Joel Edmundson, two assistants currently in sickbay.
“Despite this reality, I don’t feel alone,” he explained. There are still good leaders by my side. David Savard helps me a lot. Savy has been a good point guard in the NHL for a long time. He plays right, he inspires his teammates with his courage. Even though they’re injured, I can still talk to Gally and Edmundson. »
A good trainer
CH has bottomed out on a long journey over the holidays. Between December 21 and January 2, the Habs suffered six consecutive losses. There were stinging 7-2 losses in Florida and 9-2 in Washington.
St-Louis has said more than once that his team has grown from this slump.
“If you’re not willing to fight every night, you can be destroyed,” Suzuki said. At this point in the season we had holes all over our defense. »
“After that I spoke to Marty. He told me he was probably too positive in dark times. He wanted to change his approach a bit, as well as his reactions in the dressing room. Marty is a very good coach. We all love him and want to play for him with our hearts. »