MHN Puck Links: Suzuki Shows His Skills, Zegras Scores Blindfolded

While he didn’t win either of the two NHL Skills competitions he performed in, Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki still had a good showing and more importantly seemed to have a ton of fun with his All-Star peers. Suzuki took part in the inaugural Fountain Faceoff at the famed Bellagio Waterfalls and almost made it to the final. His 22.155 timing fell just short though as Zach Werenski and Roman Josi advanced to the final, with Werenski winning at 25.634. 

Beau point de vue pour une épreuve d'habileté.

Pretty cool setting for a Skills event. #GoHabsGo | #MatchDesÉtoiles | #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/UhpPsT2ixg

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 5, 2022

Suzuki did however score a goal on Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry in the Saves Streak contest.

Nick fait encore des siennes.

Slick Nick is at it again. #GoHabsGo | #MatchDesÉtoiles | #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/BWXPUbYjf6

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 5, 2022

As mentioned above though, winning any of the Skills events really didn’t matter to the 22-year-old Montreal Canadiens All-Star.

“I always hoped that I’d get to an All-Star Game. It was kind of a goal of mine as a kid,” stated Suzuki, who is Montreal’s lone representative at the mid-season event. “I always watched every time the All-Star Game was on. It looked like a lot of fun, and I hoped to get that experience one day. Now that I’m here, it’s really exciting and I’m just going to enjoy every second of it.”

That and more in the latest MHN Puck Links:

Montreal Canadiens

Are the Montreal Canadiens about to be stripped of hosting the NHL Entry Draft again? (MHN)

Former Montreal Canadiens enforcer and fan favorite Chris Nilan was recently fired by TSN 690 for refusing to take the COVID vaccine. (MHN)

Want to know how bad things have gotten for the Montreal Canadiens analytically? (TSN)

National Hockey Now

As expected, the human highlight reel that is Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras, wowed them in Vegas. His goal he scored while blindfolded in the Breakaway challenge was a sight to behold. Wow!

TREVOR ZEGRAS PLEASE pic.twitter.com/KuYwYv2rcV

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 5, 2022

The Winter Classic is going back to Fenway Park as the Boston Bruins will host the game on New year’s Day 2023. (Boston Hockey Now)

The Florida Panthers will host the 2023 NHL All-Star game. (Florida Hockey Now)

Who has been responsible for the Pittsburgh Penguins becoming surprise Stanley Cup contenders? (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

The Philadelphia Flyers made two under-the-radar hockey Ops promotions on Friday. (Philly Hockey Now)

The Detroit Red Wings also promoted within their hockey Ops department as Shawn Horcoff became assistant general manager. (Detroit Hockey Now)

Great touch by Calgary Flames star forward Johnny Gaudreau sporting a Jimmy Hayes Foundation hat at the Skills Competition. (Calgary Hockey Now)

Johnny Gaudreau honored his late friend, former NHL forward Jimmy Hayes. Gaudreau wore a black hat with "Jimmy" and a shamrock on the front, and "Broadway," Hayes' nickname, on the back, at the 2022 NHL All-Star Skills presented by DraftKings Sportsbook. https://t.co/zkxpv4ed42

— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) February 5, 2022

NHL

Back to the outdoor theme, the Carolina Hurricanes will host the next Stadium Series game at N.C. State. (Carolina Hurricanes)

Just a sad and despicable response from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to Rocky Wirtz’s tone-deaf outburst on the Kyle Beach case on Thursday. (ESPN)