The Canadiens earned another home win, but one moment drew as much attention as the final score. Montreal played with control after an initial deficit against Minnesota and found a way to finish late. Still, a second-period penalty became a topic of discussion, bringing Calder-winning defenseman Lane Hutson into the spotlight.
Officiating Call on Lane Hutson for Interference Draws Backlash
Montreal picked up a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday at the Bell Centre, capped by Cole Caufield’s goal with 15 seconds left in regulation. Hutson played a major role in the win, scoring a goal and adding an assist while continuing another strong season. He finished the night with two points and pushed his scoring streak to three games, showing confidence from the blue line in just his second full season.
The game turned tense in the second period after a penalty was called on Hutson. As the Canadiens entered the zone, Minnesota forward Marcus Foligno fell near the blue line. Officials assessed Hutson an interference penalty, even though replays showed he was not close to Foligno when he went down. On the broadcast, the announcer reacted strongly, saying, “He literally doesn’t get within three feet of him.”
The call sparked discussion after the game, especially once TSN shared a clip on X showing referee Eric Furlatt apologizing to Hutson for the penalty. That apology added fuel to the debate around the play.
NHL agent Allan Walsh weighed in by sharing the clip and writing, “Whenever anyone tells you that NHL officiating is getting better, just laugh and show them this fall that was called a penalty.”
Another NHL insider, Marco D’Amico, echoed that view while calling for more accountability. He shared the post on X and wrote, “I’m not usually one to harp on NHL referees… but this is when penalty reviews should be necessary. Marcus Foligno tripped on his own; it’s rather evident on the replay.” The comments reflected frustration with a call that stood despite clear video evidence.
Hutson kept his focus on the bigger picture after the game. He said, “All our guys played the right way,” and added, “We played a deep game, won a lot of puck battles, and it paid off.”
READ MORE: Canadiens Trade Rumors: Montreal Could Face Uphill Battle for $29,400,000 Forward
At 21, Hutson continues to grow into a key defenseman for Montreal. Drafted 62nd overall in 2022, he plays with speed and sharp edges, making great passes and often joining the rush without losing defensive structure.
This season, he has 9 goals and 43 assists for 52 points in 50 games, along with a plus-18Â rating, placing him among the league’s most productive defensemen.
Montreal returns to action Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens enter with momentum and a 28-15-7 record, while Buffalo remains close in the standings and looks to respond.
