The Montreal Canadiens may have found their next superstar, and he’s taking over the playoffs in a big way. Young defenseman Lane Hutson delivered another standout performance in Game 3 in a 6-2 win against the Buffalo Sabres, helping Montreal grab control of the series and drawing massive praise from fans, analysts, and former NHL players.
Lane Hutson Shines in Montreal Canadiens’ Game 3 Win
Hutson recorded two power-play assists and finished with a plus-two rating in Sunday’s victory.
He set up Cole Caufield’s power-play goal in the second period to help Montreal take control of the game. Later, Hutson’s slap shot was tipped in by Juraj Slafkovsky for another power-play marker that extended the Canadiens’ lead to 4-1.
The young defenseman’s movement along the blue line and ability to create space gave Buffalo’s penalty killers all kinds of trouble, helping Montreal go 2-for-6 on the power play.
Hutson now has seven assists and nine points in 10 playoff games. What has impressed many around the hockey world is the way Hutson creates offense in unconventional ways, constantly finding openings and extending plays that seem dead.
Sports commentator John Buccigross said, “Lane Hutson is a Quinn Hughes-level player. Offensive savant with a high motor.” High praise for how Hutson’s offensive game is already being viewed.
Buccigross also added, “Hughes is a better skater, but Hutson produces the same offense with all-out effort and engagement. 8.85×8 starting next year! Makar and Hughes might make double that! Talk about value.”
Sports anchor Jay Onrait said, “Lane Hutson makes plays happen that aren’t normal, they’re not normal defenceman kind of plays.” That creativity and unpredictability have quickly become Hutson’s trademark.
Tony Marinaro, host of The Sick Podcast, simply wrote, “Lane Hutson is ridiculous.” It’s the kind of reaction that reflects how entertaining Hutson has become to watch. Paul Bissonnette praised Hutson’s vision and effort on Caufield’s goal, calling the sequence “unbelievable.”
Former player Carlo Colaiacovo wrote, “My favorite player to watch. Most exciting D-man on a nightly basis with ankle-breaking skills.” Reactions like these show that Hutson is no longer just viewed as a promising young defenseman; he’s becoming one of the NHL’s most exciting players to watch.
At this point, it’s becoming clear that Hutson is developing into a special player for Montreal.
With Hutson leading the way, the Canadiens will now look to carry that momentum into Game 4 against the Sabres on Tuesday in Montreal.
