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.