During the last match, Nick Suzuki offered a performance that left the Canadian’s fans furious.
Indeed, despite his status as captain and key player, he was absent and looked like he was “sleeping on skates” in the overtime loss against the Flames.
It’s not just his -2 record that leaves something to be desired, but his attitude on the ice which seemed nonchalant and without real intensity, during long sequences of play.
We have the right to expect more from a leader of this caliber, especially in a period of reconstruction where each match counts to build a solid foundation.
By protecting him, St-Louis will make its captain regress. Suzuki needs to be shaken so that he wakes up as quickly as possible.
What adds to the incomprehension is the management of trios and playing time in overtime. While young players, full of potential and in search of experience, patiently wait their turn to prove their worth, it is Christian Dvorak and Mike Matheson who begin the overtime.
Matheson, well known for his defensive errors, is practically omnipresent on the power play, while Lane Hutson only gets a few seconds here and there, often surrounded by supporting players like Brendan Gallagher, Alex Newhook, Joel Armia and Olivier Kapanen.
This choice of rotation in overtime is difficult to justify. If the CH’s objective is truly to focus on the development of young people and test the limits of its talents, then why give these crucial minutes to veterans who do not embody the future of the team?
Seeing Dvorak and Matheson, players with often inconsistent performances, start overtime in a rebuilding context is simply ridiculous.
Karma punished Martin St-Louis.
You are in reconstruction. And you start Dvoral and Matheson in overtime.
Suzuki abandoned his coach.
What is the direction and motivation of the team. The CH seems to be hesitating between a real reconstruction and a sort of nostalgia for established players, which could harm the impact and progress of the young people who represent the future of the organization.
Martin St-Louis says he is a modern coach. But deep down, he is a coach from the old days.
Far too “old school” to have a vision for the future and ambition.
Disappointing…
