Nick Suzuki Makes Statement in Olympic Debut as Canada Rolls Past Czechia
Olympic hockey is back-and with the NHL returning to the Games for the first time since 2014, the stakes feel as high as ever. Team Canada wasted no time reminding the world why they’re perennial favorites, opening their tournament with a dominant 5-0 win over Czechia. It was a complete team effort from Jon Cooper’s squad, with contributions coming from all four lines and a rock-solid performance in net from Jordan Binnington.
But for fans of the Montreal Canadiens-and really, for anyone paying close attention-this game was a coming-out party on the international stage for Nick Suzuki.
The Habs captain didn’t just show up. He made his presence felt in all three zones, playing the kind of smart, two-way hockey that’s become his calling card in Montreal. His lone goal on the scoresheet may have padded an already comfortable lead, but don’t let that fool you-Suzuki was buzzing all night and could’ve easily walked away with a multi-point performance.
Earlier in the game, he set up what looked like a highlight-reel goal by Nathan MacKinnon, only to see it waved off due to a tripping penalty-his stick got tangled in the skates of the Czech player he stripped the puck from. Tough break, but it didn’t slow him down.
Later, he turned defense into offense with a hustle play that summed up his night. At the tail end of a shift, Suzuki hustled back to break up a Czech rush, then quickly transitioned the puck the other way, leading to a two-on-one chance. The play ended with back-to-back saves by Czech goalie Lukas Dostal on Connor McDavid, but the sequence was a perfect example of Suzuki’s awareness, effort, and ability to impact the game without always hitting the scoresheet.
And while he’s been slotted on the wing for Team Canada-away from his usual center duties in Montreal-he’s still bringing that same defensive responsibility and two-way savvy that’s made him one of the NHL’s most dependable young forwards. He’s not logging big power play minutes like he does with the Habs, but Cooper clearly trusts him at even strength, and it’s paying off.
What’s especially impressive is that Suzuki wasn’t even a lock to make this roster a few months ago. Canada’s depth chart is as stacked as ever, and even high-end NHL talent isn’t guaranteed a spot.
Suzuki was seen by many as a potential fourth-liner or extra forward heading into selection camp. But since the Four Nations tournament, he's been on a tear-and now he’s skating alongside Nathan MacKinnon in a top-six role for a team with gold medal expectations.
That’s a leap, and it speaks volumes about how much Suzuki has elevated his game.
Opposing teams will naturally key in on McDavid-and who wouldn’t? But if they overcommit to stopping Canada’s biggest star, they’ll have to deal with a player like Suzuki lurking just beneath the spotlight, ready to capitalize on any opening.
Canada’s Olympic campaign is just getting started, but Nick Suzuki has already made it clear: he’s not just along for the ride. He’s here to make an impact.