Suzuki's Return Reminds Canadiens Fans What They Missed

Nick Suzuki didn't need to have a spectacular night against the Minnesota Wild to remind Montreal Canadiens fans how important he is. In fact, the way Tuesday's game unfolded might have made the point even better. Montreal lost 2-1 in overtime, but Suzuki scored with just 1:38 remaining in the third period to keep the Canadiens alive and send the game into extra time. It was an important goal, but perhaps more interesting is what has happened since Suzuki returned from his hand injury.

The 27-year-old missed six games, the first time in his NHL career he’s been forced out of the lineup. He has responded with four points in three games since returning. Those numbers are encouraging, but there's something beyond the scoresheet worth considering.

Suzuki Gives Montreal More Than What's on the Scoresheet.

When a player is producing at Suzuki's level, it's easy to measure his importance through goals and assists. He reached the 100-point mark last season, and his seven goals and nine assists in 12 games this year suggest he hasn't lost much of that offensive touch.

But centres like Suzuki contribute in ways that don't always show up in the box score. They help settle a game down, give teammates someone dependable to play with, and provide a little structure when things start getting messy. That's particularly important for a young Montreal team. The Canadiens have plenty of energy and emerging talent, but a player who understands what the team needs in different situations is valuable. Suzuki doesn't have to score every night to influence how Montreal plays.

The Injury May Have Offered a Useful Reminder.

There's another interesting part to this. Suzuki had never missed an NHL game before this season. That's a remarkable run, but it also reminds us that even the most dependable players aren't immune to injuries. The Canadiens shouldn't need Suzuki to play every game to be successful. They need him healthy, confident and available when the important games arrive.

Tuesday's late goal was a welcome sign that his offensive instincts are still there. More importantly, his return gives Montreal back a player who helps make the pieces around him work. A one-goal loss isn't much to celebrate. But for Canadiens fans, seeing Suzuki back in the middle of things may have been the most encouraging part of the night.