Lane Hutson continues to shatter Canadiens franchise records in playoff series vs Lightning

Whatever hopes or expectations the Montreal Canadiens had when selecting Lane Hutson with the 62nd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, it is safe to say he has exceeded them all. Hutson continues to prove how unique he is. He was breaking NHL or franchise records as a rookie and took home the Calder Memorial Trophy. Hutson took a huge leap forward in his sophomore season, finishing the year with nearly a point per game. He recorded 12 goals and 78 points in 82 games, finishing in fourth for scoring by a defenceman. While some of the Canadiens stars have struggled so far in these playoffs, Hutson has continued his excellent play, joining some of Montreal’s all-time greats in the process.

In the Canadiens 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5, Hutson not only became the third Habs defenceman to record a point in each of the team’s first five playoff games, joining Hall of Famers Larry Robinson and Serge Savard, but he also set a new franchise best in the process. Hutson recorded his 10th career playoff point in his 10th career game, requiring fewer games to do so than any defenceman in Canadiens history, passing another Hall of Famer, Chris Chelios, who did it in 13. Hutson continues to dispel the doubts people cast on him during his draft year, and he will only keep getting better.

As Hutson continues to display how unique he is, he is also proving to Canadiens fans that even when the lights are the brightest, he will not falter. There was no bigger moment than what he did in Game 3. The game was tied up at two heading into overtime, and while Cole Caufield has the mantle of being the clutchest player on the Canadiens, Hutson showed that when all the pressure is on, he can deliver. The entire Lightning team gets caught chasing the puck, leaving arguably the Canadiens' most dangerous player alone at the point. Hutson receives a pass from Alexandre Texier and wires home a slap shot that fights through three Lightning players on its way to beating Andrei Vasilevskiy over his shoulder. When the Canadiens needed him most, Hutson delivered.

At this point, Hutson’s talent is undeniable, but what really separates him from the rest is his unquestioned compete level and work ethic. Hutson is always on the ice, even when the team has to beg him to take a day off. Hutson practically lives at the Canadiens' facilities, so it is no surprise to see him continuously set franchise records.

Hutson will look to continue his stellar play as the Canadiens look to close out the series against the Lightning at the Bell Centre, but with only one goal separating both teams so far in this series, it will not be easy. The Canadiens will need Hutson to be a difference-maker if they want to take down the Lightning, who will be fighting to keep their season alive. If history has taught us anything, it is that Hutson lives for these moments.

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