Suzuki seeking bigger impact: 'I know what I'm capable of'

Despite routinely finding the scoresheet through six games this season, Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki expects more out of himself.

"I wouldn't say it's in the spot I want it to be," Suzuki said of his performance in the new campaign, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels.

He added: "Production is what it is, it could be totally different. But I think I can play a lot better, and the team needs me to do that. So, I'm looking to have a good game (Tuesday)."

Suzuki is goalless in the young season but has notched five assists to help the Habs to a 2-3-1 record. He hopes to play a more direct game.

"I think just my assertiveness," he said. "I think I can defend better. I feel like I'm rushing some plays a little bit here and there. I know what I'm capable of, and I haven't gotten there yet. I wouldn't say I'm playing bad, but I definitely have more."

Head coach Martin St. Louis agrees.

"I think if Nick plays with a little bit more pace, the game is going to be easier for him," he said. "It's not easy to have more pace, it's work. But to me, when he drives a line, it's his pace on both sides - defensively and offensively."

Suzuki set career highs in goals (33), points (77), and average ice time (21:16) last season. He earned downballot Selke Trophy votes for his standout campaign on a poor Canadiens team, but Suzuki's two-way game has been substandard so far.

Montreal's top line features Suzuki centering Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsy. The trio is outscoring opponents 6-3 at five-on-five this season but is controlling only 35.37% of shot attempts and 30.82% of expected goals, according to Natural Stat Trick.

The Canadiens return to action Tuesday against the New York Rangers.