Suzuki and general manager Kent Hughes had a conversation ahead of the 4 Nations break, and Suzuki has held up his end of the bargain.

Quick stats: Suzuki had four shots, one more than Xhekaj, Caufield and Slafkovsky, who also had four hits. Carrier blocked five shots. Matheson played 28:22. The Canadiens won 59.7 per cent of their faceoffs but were outhit 37-20. Reimer’s save percentage was .800.