Suzuki: 'We know we have to have good starts'

TORONTO - Forward Nick Suzuki spoke with reporters via Zoom on Friday morning from the team hotel.

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Here are a few highlights from his chat:
Suzuki on possibly playing without Phillip Danault on Saturday night due to injury:
If he's not in the lineup, obviously us centers have to step up. It's a big hole. He brings a ton of energy, he's great on the penalty kill and he's great 5-on-5. He's really done everything that they've asked of him all year, so if he's out, we have to do a good job of shutting the other team's centers down.

Suzuki on his advice for a struggling Jesperi Kotkaniemi:
I've been talking to him a little bit. I know he's maybe not producing, but I still think he's making good plays, he's working hard and I think it's bound to happen for him. He just needs one good bounce so the puck will go in the net and he'll be back. He just has to stay with it, keep trying to have fun and I'm sure his game will come back pretty soon.
Suzuki on his energy level given the tough schedule:
I feel good. I'm just trying to do everything I can to recover properly. I think that's a huge part about playing as many games as we do, just recovering the right way, being prepared for the next day. I did a few things in the gym today, so I'm sure the guys will be ready to go.

Suzuki on growing from rookie and sophomore campaigns affected by the COVID-19 pandemic:
It's definitely been a challenge. The games on the schedule have been a lot different than our first year, especially without the fans. Just going through adversity like that, you can learn a lot from it, especially if a condensed schedule like this happens again next year. You know how to prepare for it. There are a lot of things that you can take away from this season and hopefully learn from and move forward over the next few years.
Suzuki on the Canadiens' poor starts to games lately:
I don't think our starts have been that bad. Last night wasn't the greatest. We've had our chances early in games, but I don't think it's one thing that we're not doing. It's just a matter of luck or the other team just getting a chance and scoring. It happens in hockey. We're not really focusing on that too much. We know we have to have good starts and getting that first goal makes you feel good.

Suzuki on improving in the faceoff circle:
Some games are hit-and-miss right now. I feel like in Ottawa a lot of them were kind of going straight right, they would get a bounce and I would lose the faceoff. I'm trying to learn as much as I can and trying to get better. It's a huge part of the game. If we can have control of the puck right away off the faceoff, it's going to help our team. I know I need to still get better at it and try to learn from as many guys as I can.