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As the Montreal Canadiens approach the final stretch of the season with nine games remaining, including six on home ice, they find themselves in a promising position to vie for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. However, to seize this opportunity, they must maintain their strong performance on the ice.
A full four-game sweep against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, would be an incredible feat, yet the Canadiens managed to pull off an astonishing last-minute victory in their recent matchup.
Notable Performances
Lane Hutson continues to be a standout player for the Canadiens, making each game feel like a special occasion. Since the Four Nations break, he has been exceptional, averaging a point per game and recently providing an assist on a deflected shot by Josh Anderson, marking the team’s first goal of the night.
The line featuring Hutson, Brendan Gallagher, and Christian Dvorak has been particularly effective. Gallagher appears to be playing some of the best hockey of his career, and Dvorak has also been exhibiting remarkable form. Together, they are proving to be a formidable force.
Hutson’s impressive season now includes 57 assists, placing him second all-time for assists by a rookie defender, surpassing Chris Chelios. He trails only Larry Murphy, who set the record with 60 assists. At this pace, Hutson could potentially tie or surpass that record with eight games left in the season.
Additionally, Hutson’s 62 total points this season ranks among the top ten for rookie defenders in NHL history. It’s worth noting that many of the top records were set in a time when scoring averages in games were significantly higher, with totals often reaching 11 or 12 goals.
Prior to Hutson’s breakout, Quinn Hughes held the best record this century with 53 points. Hutson has not only surpassed those expectations but has redefined the standards for rookie defensemen over the last quarter-century.
One of Hutson’s most impressive attributes is his continuous improvement in defensive play. Despite being physically smaller than some of his opponents, he consistently battles effectively for the puck, showcasing a unique skill set that has drawn positive attention.
As the Canadiens navigate their playoff aspirations, Hutson has undeniably made the most significant impact on the roster compared to the previous season. Coupled with Nick Suzuki’s standout performance this year, Cole Caufield’s strong contributions, and Juraj Slafkovsky’s improved performance in the latter half of the season, the team is gaining momentum.
Roster Decisions Loom
In addition to playoff implications, the Canadiens are also faced with critical roster decisions regarding Jacob Fowler and Oliver Kapanen after both were recently eliminated from contention in their respective leagues.
Fowler’s Boston College team, which was a strong contender for the NCAA championship, lost in the quarter-finals, leaving him with a few options for his future. He could return for another collegiate season, but he has expressed a desire to turn professional, feeling ready to take that next step.
Montreal is keen to sign him quickly, given that players have three years post-draft to make their decisions, potentially allowing them to seek opportunities outside the Canadiens if not signed. This urgency is underscored by previous experiences where teams lost promising players due to delays in contract negotiations.
If Fowler chooses to go pro, he has a couple of pathways: he could engage in a tryout with the Laval Rocket, where he wouldn’t start his NHL contract, or he could potentially play in the NHL. The latter could complicate his entry-level contract status, especially given the team’s current playoff push. Regardless, Fowler is regarded as an excellent goaltender, so concerns may be overstated.
Meanwhile, Kapanen is on his way to North America after completing his season in Sweden and is expected to transition smoothly into the Canadiens lineup, either in Laval or directly in Montreal. His mature style of play and 200-foot game awareness make him a valuable addition at this critical point in the season.
The Canadiens are currently looking for ways to bolster their forward lineup, and Kapanen could provide the depth they need, especially as the fourth line is not performing at an optimal level. His arrival could be crucial for the Canadiens’ postseason aspirations.
With the excitement building and critical decisions ahead, the Canadiens are navigating a pivotal moment in their season, both in terms of playoff contention and roster development.
Source
globalnews.ca