Canadiens' Nick Suzuki doing what he does best in magical Montreal playoff run

One of the things Nick Suzuki is best at flies well under the radar.

It's not that nobody realizes the Montreal Canadiens captain is a strong defensive player. It's just one of those things that doesn't make highlight reels.

But right now, as the Habs continue to make a special playoff push, Suzuki's defense is making an impact.

In the first round, Montreal slowed down Nikita Kucherov.

In the second round, it was Buffalo's Tage Thompson and especially Alex Tuch who were off their usual pace.

And in Game 1 against Carolina, Sebastian Aho was limited.

MORE: Sabres' story of this season is about all the chapters along the way

It's not just Suzuki, of course. Phillip Danault has been a hugely impactful defensive forward, too.

But the Canadiens' fanbase wants Suzuki to get his flowers:

Bolts fans complaining about Kucherov disappearing against the Habs . Sabres fans complaining about Tage and Tuch . Now it’s just one game but I read Canes fans complaining about Aho disappearing. Maybe it’s time to give credit to the « magician » that makes all these stars…

Suzuki is the center for Montreal's top line, which makes it natural to focus on his goal and assist totals. He's part of a high-scoring trio with Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky.

But if Suzuki stops the other team from scoring, that's just as valuable. And he's setting the tone to allow the Canadiens to do just that.

More NHL news:

• Alex Newhook is the Canadiens' hero no one ever expected
• Elias Petersson trade plans may be missing a key point
• Would the Maple Leafs trade Easton Cowan?
• Alex Ovechkin doesn't have Evgeni Malkin's problem
• Penguins have $42.5 million lack of excuse for letting Evgeni Malkin leave