Suzuki: ‘We can still be better’

TORONTO – The Canadiens held an optional skate at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday morning ahead of Game 2 against the Maple Leafs.

SHOP: CHic Playoff Line

Forwards Nick Suzuki and Tyler Toffoli spoke with reporters via Zoom, along with interim head coach Dominique Ducharme.

Here are a few highlights from their respective chats:

Suzuki on the impact of Maple Leafs captain John Tavares being out for the series:

He’s a great player. He’s done a lot in his time in the NHL. At the same time, though, they have a ton of depth on their team as well as guys stepping into bigger roles. It doesn’t really change what we do to prepare. They’re a good team and we have to be prepared every single night to play against them.

Video: Suzuki on building chemistry with his line

Suzuki on Toronto’s style of play and whether anything caught the Canadiens by surprise in Game 1:

This game is all about adjustments. I’m sure they’re making adjustments, so did we. We played them a ton in the regular season. We did a lot of good things last game, but I think we can still be better. The pace can be higher. With guys stepping up their games, I think we’re in good shape.

Toffoli on the anticipated response from the Maple Leafs after dropping the series-opener:

I think they’re going to come out hard, no matter what. With all the stuff that happened, it’s definitely going to be a good start and we’ve got to be ready for their push and the emotion that they’re going to come with.

Video: Toffoli on the Habs’ adjustments for Game 2

Toffoli on delivering a solid performance in Game 2 alongside Suzuki and Joel Armia:

We know that we can be a lot better than Game 1. We didn’t do a good enough job holding onto pucks and making the small little plays that we can make and be successful with. We know that we can be a lot better and we’ve got to bring it tonight.

Ducharme on inserting Jesperi Kotkaniemi into the lineup in place of Jake Evans, who’s out with an injury:

Jake isn’t 100 percent. We’ve talked a lot about our depth and we’re going to use it tonight. That’s the only lineup change we’re making.

Video: Ducharme on Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s return to action

Ducharme on his expectations for Kotkaniemi in Game 2:

I expect him to be solid on both sides of the ice. We want him to capitalize on his chances with the puck to make plays and use his shot. We want him to be dynamic and move his legs, even when he doesn’t have puck possession. We want him to make his presence felt every time he’s on the ice.