Mike Matheson at his best in support role

Mike Matheson had been the Montreal Canadiens most-used defenseman essentially since his arrival.

But little cracks were starting to show, with boneheaded mistakes appearing to come from exhaustion. Matheson plays far too much, and though he has some skills that warrant a place on the power play unit, it feels like a lot for him. In my opinion, Matheson isn't going to be a defensive stalwart, but in a secondary role, the reduced pressure seems to help him more than not.

Lane Hutson, for example, is a guy that the offensive naturally comes to and because of that, he can handle the big offensive assignments. With Matheson in a bit of an increased defensive role, he seems to exude less energy, which allows him to keep up later in shifts. I also think that Hutson taking one of the spots on the blueline will open up space for Matheson, but he doesn't need to do it all.

I think Matheson's biggest issue is that he overthinks things, especially on the power play. He sometimes holds on to the puck for too long or shoots in low-percentage areas. With Hutson lined up beside him, I think that he can slow things down and defer to him at times.

I like Matheson, but I think he is best suited on the second power play unit, playing second pair minutes. He skates well and makes a difference when he is using his mobility for good. But too much responsibility sometimes gets him into trouble, either going out of position or forcing plays and turning the puck over.

Ouchie against the Rangers

Matheson anchored the second defence pair alongside Hutson on Sunday afternoon, and it didn't go particularly well. A minus-four against the Boston Bruins means that Matheson was on the ice for all but two Bruins goals. I think that he is too offensive-minded that he has defensive lapses, trying to cheat.

Matheson essentially sent the Bruins on a shorthanded breakaway, which resulted in a Bruins goal. Then late in the game, for some reason he is on the ice for a faceoff - i'm not so sure about that decision. It kind of feels like he needs to play with a guy like David Savard to mask his shortcomings, but that leaves Savard hanging out to dry at times also.

I understand that Matheson was the best option for a while, but now with Hutson in Montreal, he doesn't have to be. If Marty wants better from him, I think reduced minutes are the answer. Let him play to his strengths and use him on the second power play wave.

Lets not reward him for poor play - of course he will learn from tape and such, but he continually makes mistakes that hurt the team. Something's got to