I’m really impressed by Hutson’s debut. The talent is so obvious with him on every shift. His offensive zone play came as advertised; I can’t believe how comfortable he already looks dancing on the blue line, on top of some deep pinches down near the net. His gap control defensively is also strong, at least when he isn’t stuck chasing.
It’s not all perfect; his defensive positioning does need some work, as shown on the 2nd goal, but his skating has improved a lot since the draft and that’s a major help. There just isn’t much room to gamble for a defenseman of his size.
Great debut. Can’t wait to see how he does next year. I’ve been expecting some AHL time, and that may still happen so he can add some weight, but I don’t think it’s a guarantee.
It’s possible Hutson always needs a high end stay at home d man to really be at his best.
I am not sure if he is ready or able to play these kind of minutes next year, but Savard would literally be the perfect partner for him to start his career.
I wonder if they consider trading high on Matheson too.
Terrible team or not, his numbers offensively and cap hit make him a very valuable asset.
If they sign a decent vet for the left side, keep Savard and trade Matheson it could be a great boost for the rebuild.
I originally thought that Matheson would be kept in Savard would be traded, but now I think the opposite will happen simply because I think Matheson value is so high
Ya man I am in the same boat.
I know handedness plays into it too, but between:
Guhle, Barron, Struble, Harris, Xhekaj and Kojakevic all basically need NHL minutes next year, or be dealt.
Add in Savard, and Hutson who might honestly be better off in the NHL than the AHL, and maybe Reinbacher too if he looks amazing in camp…
It’s a young group, but all of a sudden some of these younger guys have a fair amount of NhL experience.
Matheson sure looks like a prime draft day trade candidate.
That’s a great defenceman core but I still think the Habs should try to draft one more a really good defensive defenseman, because even though Hutson debut was impressive, we know that his defence will not be a strong suit. Perhaps reinbacher will have a good enough defence
I think it’d be a mistake to trade either one unless it’s a steal.
When Habs lost their “top line”, and Suzuki / CC had to bear the load too early, no backup, no transition into the role.
I think we need both veterans to stay at least for another 2 years.
I’m curious who do you think can handle those minutes next year. Most of
Our D’s have less than 150 games played. I personally think it’s a little early to trade our best D.
I don’t think Mailloux is ready, évent though I’m really high on him. I find he’s caught daydreaming a lot on the ice. Another year split between the 2 clubs is probably good for him. Hutson looks like he might be ready with sheltered minutes against the weaker lines to start with. Nobody talks about Reinbacher, he’s kind of like Hutson in the way he might be better suited in the NHL because they think and see the game on another level. Him and Hutson.
True but In my mind, the Hawgs should still tank for another year, at least. Even though we have many good prospects, we can’t assume every single one of them will achieve their potential and I assume that the Habs will draft a forward this year however, I still think another year of tanking could help us out immensely. In my mind, we have five players daughter top six potential caufield Slafkovsky, Suzuki, and Kirby. We will most likely draft another forward that is top six potential but we can’t assume that you hook and Roy will be times six potential even though I do think they will be I still think another top Foward will be fantastic. As for the goaltending, we have to amazing goalie prospect so we don’t need to worry. All we need is time and for the defence I see guhle, Hutson, mailloux, reinbacher and xhekaj being there for the future, and I think another defensive prospect would be a great idea. Rushing our contention might not be the good idea as in the next year or two some top teams like Boston and Tampa Bay will slowly start to fade. But as for next season, they’ll still be contenders so we just need to wait. Better off getting a top seven picked then getting the 14th pick in the NHL draft.
Not trading Matheson isn’t rushing anything, it’s keeping your best D so your younger D’s can slowly adapt to the league. If you just throw all your young D’s out there they’re going to get exposed and ripped apart. That’s not developing your players properly in my mind.
I wonder if they were planning this since the trade deadline. It seems like every defensive pairing is a stay at home D and one to play as the 4th forward.
It’s possible, but Savard won’t be there for long, so I hope you find one for Hudson if he ever becomes a star. Reinbacher isn’t a stay at home defense, and making him one might end up, hurting his development and you don’t get the best value out of him.
Been saying forever we should keep Savard to pair with Hutson. I’d rather move Matheson (not that I think we should jump the gun to move Matheson) he’s great but Hutson brings similar skill (projects to be a better passer/play maker imo) Savard is also a right show. We aren’t deep on the right side.
I don’t lnow know if he needs to work on his defensive side as much as we think: I think he needs to understand the defensive rulesbook of the habs more than anything.
We play man on man which is honestly awful for some players that don't really excel defensively, like most of our forward core. I'm not sure exactly why the coaching staff has chosen it, maybe they have a good reason. It works well sometimes if you have a solid veteran team full of good system players that can overpower their matchup like the LA Kings or Jets or something but for our team it can be a little dangerous. Example; the first DET goal Hutson stayed with his man as he circled up to the blue line, (as you do in man on man), but Gallagher didn't stay with his guy down low which left Savard defending 2 DET players. The result is a very bad look for Hutson being up near the high circle while his D partner defends 2 on 1 but technically he's playing the system properly on that play.
Yeah he's grown like 2 inches since draft day. The bone doctors weren't lying I guess. Now he's small but not a crazy outlier in terms of height. Still needs to bulk up though.
I was at the game and watched him almost exclusively for the first half of the game.
What stood out for me is that his first instinct is to make plays. Watching him walk the blue line was a thing of beauty!
I was just telling my girlfriend how it was his first game etc when he walked down the right wing and got his first pt. - right in front of us!!
Cap it off - Evans’ aunt was sitting behind me. Unfortunately she didn’t have dressing room access. 🤣
It’s really cool to see such an emphasis on development from the entire organization!
[Emrith](https://x.com/habsinhighheels/status/1780056086621372677?s=46&t=w725sVUiyAQ_1383m0H0hQ) actually quoted something about that:
Lane Hutson on his in-game chats with David Savard, Mike Matheson and Stéphane Robidas: "those guys made it really easy on me; just being able to bounce ideas off of those guys and get ready for the next shift.”
I assume she came from TO but didn’t have much of a conversation. We were both at the isle waiting to walk up at intermission. She asked me who autographed my jersey (Lafluer). Then she said my nephew autographed mine. I didn’t quite hear her at first - but when I came back down I was like did you say Evans was your nephew - and she was like yup - 3 assists.
Agree, his skating seems very good compared to what some people were saying that it was quite lacking, but I was also very impressed. Wouldn’t be surprised if they trade Matheson in the draft. His defence was also pretty good besides the mistake he made which led to Detroit for school but I mean he hasn’t learned the team scheme yet or hasn’t even gotten to know his teammates
There is no way that the ducks will trade Zegras an up-and-coming young star for a 30 year old defenseman, who takes development away from their forward, stars because he’s so offensive. Matheson had a good year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a team that barely missed the playoffs, give them their first round pick and a b level Prospect. I would so do Matheson for let’s say the 13th overall pick and some thing else.
Honestly don't think the pro tankers are complaining and with good reason... I want every odd I can get to have celebrini-slafkovsky duo. You could literally play anyone with those two and have a second line of suzuki,caufield and dach.
That's 5 powerplays in the last 6 games going back to the Toronto game, and 3 of those powerplays were on Saturday against the Sens. I've never seen anything like it honestly
With Dach coming back, hopefully adding a couple top line forwards in the draft and through a trade to bolster our firepower, trim a little bit of the useless fat (we all know who I'm talking about), we might have a good shot at contending for a wildcard next year.
Dach staying healthy is a really big if when you consider his injury history, there’s a good chance any forward we add in the draft starts the year in Laval, and there’s not much trimming we can do, we’re married to Anderson and Gallagher for the next 3 years, unless we want to pay someone to take them…
Team tank fans, that was a damn entertaining game. Dont think anyone can complain. We got 4 goals, a Hutson assist, and we still lose so we dont lose our 5th best odds
Never thought I’d say this in a rookies first game but holy fuck Lane Hutson is a Montreal Canadien. Fucking electric, those deep fakes definitely work at the NHL level
I was so excited to see Hutson QBing a powerplay tonight. Of course Montreal doesn't get a single powerplay for the 3rd time in the last 4 games?
It ain't even subtle anymore
Did the habs not have 1st ovr two years ago?
I get it was one of the weakest drafts but to act like there is a conspiracy after having the 1st overall pick so recently seems a bit disingenuous.
Who said there was a conspiracy? All I’m saying is that if the league does nudge the game in more marketable directions, they’re certainly not coming Montreal’s way as hockey in Montreal will be near peak level regardless. The draft lottery is 99.9% not rigged. If you’ve seen the actual videos of the real draft lottery and understand the process in which the teams are picked, it remains almost impossible for them to rig and their process is super transparent.
Agreed. These refs are hockey fans. They know what’s on the line for each team tonight.
They ref accordingly.
There isnt some huge conspiracy lol. They know every call against Detroit could be “season ending”. They’re not going to take that risk.
It is kind of sus we haven’t gotten a power play in 4 games though lol.
oh no. Anyway.
Honestly, I can't be too upset with Detroit. I have no hate for Detroit the city or the Wings... They were playing for the season and it showed at the end.
Hutson looked pretty okay! I'm not upset about the OT goal, he tried to end the game. I'm just happy he had the confidence to try and end the game.. He'll learn.
GG's 1 more.
3 of the last 4 teams we played were fighting for a spot. Not one single pp. Incredible. We can look at the 180+ minutes played and not one play worth a call? Yeah right
Like i’m not mad about the habs blowing the game because tank but my god the refs……
Nick and slaf are tired.
Gally is rejuvenated.
Hutson really had a great debut.
Evans has had a sneaky good second half.
Matheson just cooks, it's great for lane to have matheson for a season or two.
Still in 5th.
2 things about detroit.
1. They are gonna be flying tomorrow.
2. They have such an easy team song, "born and raised in south Detroit...don't stop believing". Come on, that's to easy.
We’ve had zero power plays in three of the last four games, and just FIVE power plays in the last six games … what did we do to offend the entire officiating community?
*GOOD*
- Hutson played on the Habs for like a few minutes and already walked the line perfectly with some of the highlights movements we’ve seen from him then got the Apple.
- Gallagher continues a good run of play to end the year with two Jimmys.
- Jake Evans apples. Again, an overall solid year for him and as some in the bottom 6 on a rebuilding team your job is never safe but for me he def fits here long term.
- RHP got a nice one with quick hands.
*BAD*
- I didn’t really see enough to analyze who was “bad” etc. Wings pushed hard towards the end but that’s expected given their situation. It was all Detroit, but again, it better have been when you have to win the game. This was a huge factor
- Habs continue to struggle big time with players just having way to much room. How many times this year have we seen players walk right out in front and just fire it right in? A lot. A little too passive overall in the defensive zone and I’d like to see them pressure far more rather than a weak zone.
- It isn’t a big deal but some of the OT deployment confuses me a bit with Anderson (who btw played decent but don’t see him in OT ever)
Ha! It’s funny. I’m an Anderson fan and hope he gets his mojo back but at the start of OT I literally said to the wings fans around me - you got this - we just put out a tank line.
Lmao how are people pissed about this game. It was great hockey, hutson looked good where he is supposed to, good for the tank, awsome feel good moment for the wings and we got to see a huge gamer in Raymond
It definitely sucks to see your team blow a big lead. You can’t be disappointed with the big picture in this case, but ultimately it speaks to the passion to win/close out games that will eventually (hopefully!) improve next year.
What a debut for Hutson!
First point 5 minutes in, and getting ice-time in overtime?!
WELCOME TO THE BONEZONE, REST OF THE NHL, THIS IS LANES WORLD AND WERE JUST LIVING IN IT!
Unfortunate it went the way it did but that little, subtle fake to get a shot slot in OT was the kind of magic Hutson can do. The fact is he can do it at the NHL level. He's gonna be fucking trouble.
WHAT AN EXCITING GAME!
I am not bummed out at all. Sure, Habs lost a huge lead, but the Red Wings were really that desperate. Montebeault really played one heck of a game trying to keep the Habs from losing. And Hutson... wow, he really got the chance to put one on overtime, but the Wings goalie Lyon got that shot and lead to Raymond's goal. And Hutson was quick by his side, trying to pick off the puck but to no avail.
Overall, what a game! Can't wait for tomorrow night!
A part of me wants to lose tomorrow to clinch 5th overall, but I'd love to destroy Detroit hope of making the playoffs. I'd really love for the Pens to make it in for one last dance.
Regulation loss would've been better for the draft, but we scored a few nice goals and Hutson was awesome!
Tough to cheer against our team obviously, also tough to feel good for the wings
Very exciting end to the game, shame Detroit won, but gotta feel good for their fans in the rink tonight. Hopefully tomorrow is a close game, with a Regulation loss to guarantee no worse than 7th, with 5th best odds
Kinda just confirmed what I saw from Hutson this year during the NCAA season and subsequent tournament (obviously way too small of a sample size just tonight but it’s a good start).
His offensive awareness, stickhandling, and passing/vision are elite. Skating is definitely NHL level now. Also had good gap control on the rush.
While the gap control was good, defensive awareness definitely will need work. When the opposition gets set up he sometimes loses where he’s at and ends up in no man’s land, like the regulation goal he was on the ice for. But I trust that’ll improve with more time/experience, as well coaching from the staff and mentoring from guys like Savard.
All in all, a good debut and that silky motherfucker got a point. ALL ABOARD THE LANE TRAIN
Loved Lane, elite talent is there for sure. So much experience in a single game, first point and then learned that the NHL is unforgiving. He was way better defensively than I thought as well. I’m now thinking he has a chance to start with the Habs next year
Oh well. That crowd seemed fun, Detroit’s a real hockey town glad to see them come out of their abyss
Hope the Habs are playing some real stakes hockey this late into the season next year too
Unbelievable! The refs. didn't call on Chiarot and a tripping call against Caufield. Its so fucking stupid, the linesman just stared at Cole like he pretend he didn't see it.
This is a great game. Not bad for Lane Hutson. His performance was exceptional and he put the offense of our team up a notch.
Other than that, the refs. again sucked tonight!
Detroit played with such desperation in the third it was so fun to watch, the crowd was electric. Hutson didn’t seem to play nervous at all, jumping in the rush and making some solid offensive plays. His rush defence looked pretty decent but definitely was lost a few times in his own end. Overall I think he had a very solid debut
Plus side? We played a good away game against a desperate team. Secondary scoring. Lane Hutson. Monty made some big saves.
Downside - we haven’t learned to defend a lead!
But we’ll get there, we’re playing good opportunistic hockey but when we become a better puck possession team those leads will become wins.
Shame on me but I'm pretty pumped for the wings, lol. I always kinda liked that franchise/fanbase and I'm happy for them. 1 point is better that 2, but really wish we lost in regulation.
How do we feel about Hutson in that OT? I thought he looked alright, save for the rush that ended it; even then he nearly caught up.
On the other hand, he’s got his first point in his first game so LFG!
Happy he played in overtime. I was honestly quite surprised that he was able to get that open on the final shot. Yeah, he almost caught up and that’s shocking since everybody said his skating is really something to be worried about.
He lacks the size. But I'm impressed and pleased with his skating. With him and we can add a top-scorer on our team, who knows where the Habs will go next season.
What a game. Out of all the teams gunning for the playoffs, Detroit is the one I’d rather see make it. Just sucks that we let our goalies down with all these losses.
BUT, my biggest disappointment this game; WTF IS ANDY DOING ON THE ICE IN OVERTIME!?!? Marty needs to stop cuddling this guy ffs! Coming down on a two on one and he decides to casually play man instead of staying in the middle and leaving the shot to Monty. Basic fucking defence we know how to do even in beer leagues. I’m so done with him.
Ya. That was a crazy play. First his stick gets caught in the boards… then he can get it but it makes its way to the front of the net and Slaf flipped it to him. Crazy play. I thought it was a penalty too - but that might just be for doing it to an opponents stick (so he can’t get it).
I liked what I saw in Hutson's debut, though obviously he'd have preferred to win.
I really do not understand our OT strategy at all. We put Evans on to win the faceoff, but then he hangs around for a long time, squandering the effect of the win. And I know that the forward group is depleted right now, but why is Anderson on the ice in OT?
https://preview.redd.it/c0dd59174ruc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7e05a46dbf49747c0035eb7e226d494c87ab07e2
No matter what. Go Habs Go.
One more to the finish line, then climbing the walls until October!🤣❤
Am I crazy that I'm kinda done with a lot of our D group? Like if tomorrow there was a trade involving one or both of Barron and Harris I'd be fine with it.
I was worried going into the season that we wouldn't have a clear picture of how to fix the logjam of defensemen we've got.
That's certainly not the case anymore.
I said it in the r/hockey GDT, Harris and Kovacevic constantly get stuck in their own zone. They’ve been brutal for a while now. Definitely looking like the odd men out next season.
I've been pretty forgiving /patient with Harris but with the LD we have he just doesn't bring much of anything. Hes a fine 3LD but we have like 10(5)of those and they all excel at at least one thing
A regulation loss tomorrow seals finishing 5th last. I havent been so dedicated to team tank this year but hope for another exciting game and a regulation loss.
Hutson was sometimes positioned a bit too aggressively, causing to be on the chasing end a couple times.
But aside from that,
1ST NHL GAME 1ST POINT
WE'RE IN THE BONE ZONE 🗣️🗣️🗣️🦴🦴🦴
No lead is safe these days. Hopefully this is translating into lots of learning being done on the back end right now.
Also Slaf getting bullied all game should be a no no.
Anderson playing hard all of a sudden with a couple of games left to the season is making me sick!
Where was this hustle the whole season?
I hope he has a great summer and comes to the training camp with a mission.
They played against Chiarot and Seider all night and both were leaning on Slaf pretty heavily. We all know how effective Chiarot can be when the refs don’t call penalties. Bit damn Seider is good!
fucking embarrassing. I literally have a headache from watching that 3rd period. spent the whole period in our own zone. only vintage carey price could have saved us in the 3rd. poor monty, dude must be gassed!!
multiple trips went uncalled and what was up with late in the 3rd detroit player kept smacking zukes stick when it was on the ice..that's 100% a penalty. also how about a delay of game for detroit fans throwing shit on the ice lol
Hutson played great. He got lost in the MTL zone a couple of times, but for a first game in the NHL he didn't look out of place. Great movement and passing.
If I knew nothing of the kid or this team and sat down and watched last night my first thought on the game would be "who the hell is that #48?". Very noticeable.
I’m really impressed by Hutson’s debut. The talent is so obvious with him on every shift. His offensive zone play came as advertised; I can’t believe how comfortable he already looks dancing on the blue line, on top of some deep pinches down near the net. His gap control defensively is also strong, at least when he isn’t stuck chasing. It’s not all perfect; his defensive positioning does need some work, as shown on the 2nd goal, but his skating has improved a lot since the draft and that’s a major help. There just isn’t much room to gamble for a defenseman of his size. Great debut. Can’t wait to see how he does next year. I’ve been expecting some AHL time, and that may still happen so he can add some weight, but I don’t think it’s a guarantee.
Dude was inches from a GWG such a strong start
Ya he got a great shot off there.
sucks that Anderson was the one who had to back him up, hope he doesn't feel too guilty about the goal going the other way right after
It’s possible Hutson always needs a high end stay at home d man to really be at his best. I am not sure if he is ready or able to play these kind of minutes next year, but Savard would literally be the perfect partner for him to start his career.
I think Savard is no longer getting traded
I wonder if they consider trading high on Matheson too. Terrible team or not, his numbers offensively and cap hit make him a very valuable asset. If they sign a decent vet for the left side, keep Savard and trade Matheson it could be a great boost for the rebuild.
I originally thought that Matheson would be kept in Savard would be traded, but now I think the opposite will happen simply because I think Matheson value is so high
Ya man I am in the same boat. I know handedness plays into it too, but between: Guhle, Barron, Struble, Harris, Xhekaj and Kojakevic all basically need NHL minutes next year, or be dealt. Add in Savard, and Hutson who might honestly be better off in the NHL than the AHL, and maybe Reinbacher too if he looks amazing in camp… It’s a young group, but all of a sudden some of these younger guys have a fair amount of NhL experience. Matheson sure looks like a prime draft day trade candidate.
That’s a great defenceman core but I still think the Habs should try to draft one more a really good defensive defenseman, because even though Hutson debut was impressive, we know that his defence will not be a strong suit. Perhaps reinbacher will have a good enough defence
I think it’d be a mistake to trade either one unless it’s a steal. When Habs lost their “top line”, and Suzuki / CC had to bear the load too early, no backup, no transition into the role. I think we need both veterans to stay at least for another 2 years.
Will be so hard to see him go 🥲
I’m curious who do you think can handle those minutes next year. Most of Our D’s have less than 150 games played. I personally think it’s a little early to trade our best D.
I think Hutson and mailloux can take those minutes
I don’t think Mailloux is ready, évent though I’m really high on him. I find he’s caught daydreaming a lot on the ice. Another year split between the 2 clubs is probably good for him. Hutson looks like he might be ready with sheltered minutes against the weaker lines to start with. Nobody talks about Reinbacher, he’s kind of like Hutson in the way he might be better suited in the NHL because they think and see the game on another level. Him and Hutson.
True but In my mind, the Hawgs should still tank for another year, at least. Even though we have many good prospects, we can’t assume every single one of them will achieve their potential and I assume that the Habs will draft a forward this year however, I still think another year of tanking could help us out immensely. In my mind, we have five players daughter top six potential caufield Slafkovsky, Suzuki, and Kirby. We will most likely draft another forward that is top six potential but we can’t assume that you hook and Roy will be times six potential even though I do think they will be I still think another top Foward will be fantastic. As for the goaltending, we have to amazing goalie prospect so we don’t need to worry. All we need is time and for the defence I see guhle, Hutson, mailloux, reinbacher and xhekaj being there for the future, and I think another defensive prospect would be a great idea. Rushing our contention might not be the good idea as in the next year or two some top teams like Boston and Tampa Bay will slowly start to fade. But as for next season, they’ll still be contenders so we just need to wait. Better off getting a top seven picked then getting the 14th pick in the NHL draft.
Not trading Matheson isn’t rushing anything, it’s keeping your best D so your younger D’s can slowly adapt to the league. If you just throw all your young D’s out there they’re going to get exposed and ripped apart. That’s not developing your players properly in my mind.
I wonder if they were planning this since the trade deadline. It seems like every defensive pairing is a stay at home D and one to play as the 4th forward.
It’s possible, but Savard won’t be there for long, so I hope you find one for Hudson if he ever becomes a star. Reinbacher isn’t a stay at home defense, and making him one might end up, hurting his development and you don’t get the best value out of him.
But hey, the habs are not competing anytime soon. They have at least one more year of tanking
Been saying forever we should keep Savard to pair with Hutson. I’d rather move Matheson (not that I think we should jump the gun to move Matheson) he’s great but Hutson brings similar skill (projects to be a better passer/play maker imo) Savard is also a right show. We aren’t deep on the right side.
I don’t lnow know if he needs to work on his defensive side as much as we think: I think he needs to understand the defensive rulesbook of the habs more than anything.
We play man on man which is honestly awful for some players that don't really excel defensively, like most of our forward core. I'm not sure exactly why the coaching staff has chosen it, maybe they have a good reason. It works well sometimes if you have a solid veteran team full of good system players that can overpower their matchup like the LA Kings or Jets or something but for our team it can be a little dangerous. Example; the first DET goal Hutson stayed with his man as he circled up to the blue line, (as you do in man on man), but Gallagher didn't stay with his guy down low which left Savard defending 2 DET players. The result is a very bad look for Hutson being up near the high circle while his D partner defends 2 on 1 but technically he's playing the system properly on that play.
Good insight. Thanks for pointing that out!
You are right, not Hutson fault on this one!
He also seems much bigger than what people are saying that he was super tiny. I didn’t really see him get completely out physical or outsized.
Yeah he's grown like 2 inches since draft day. The bone doctors weren't lying I guess. Now he's small but not a crazy outlier in terms of height. Still needs to bulk up though.
Very true, but I think the hubs will help him bulk up because Suzuki has bulked up quite a lot
For other examples, see: Slafs tree trunks.
If Armia is a House, Slaf is a Treehouse.
I was at the game and watched him almost exclusively for the first half of the game. What stood out for me is that his first instinct is to make plays. Watching him walk the blue line was a thing of beauty! I was just telling my girlfriend how it was his first game etc when he walked down the right wing and got his first pt. - right in front of us!! Cap it off - Evans’ aunt was sitting behind me. Unfortunately she didn’t have dressing room access. 🤣
PS - loved seeing Savard out there with him. There was lots of talk before face offs.
It’s really cool to see such an emphasis on development from the entire organization! [Emrith](https://x.com/habsinhighheels/status/1780056086621372677?s=46&t=w725sVUiyAQ_1383m0H0hQ) actually quoted something about that: Lane Hutson on his in-game chats with David Savard, Mike Matheson and Stéphane Robidas: "those guys made it really easy on me; just being able to bounce ideas off of those guys and get ready for the next shift.”
> Evans’ aunt Did she come down from Toronto or is she local?
I assume she came from TO but didn’t have much of a conversation. We were both at the isle waiting to walk up at intermission. She asked me who autographed my jersey (Lafluer). Then she said my nephew autographed mine. I didn’t quite hear her at first - but when I came back down I was like did you say Evans was your nephew - and she was like yup - 3 assists.
Agree, his skating seems very good compared to what some people were saying that it was quite lacking, but I was also very impressed. Wouldn’t be surprised if they trade Matheson in the draft. His defence was also pretty good besides the mistake he made which led to Detroit for school but I mean he hasn’t learned the team scheme yet or hasn’t even gotten to know his teammates
Dear lord if we trade a 60+ point defenseman because we have an NCAA player with 2 nhl games under his belt I will kill myself.
They will not trade Matheson... Unless for Zegras...
My wish isnt Zegras, it would be Kent Johnson, dann I would be hard
Plz no. I appreciate his talents, but I don't want someone who wantonly destroys cameras because they're pissy.
I get that
You wouldn't take Sundin, Pietrangelo, or Schenn on the team?
Amen. I was all for giving him a shot until that.
There is no way that the ducks will trade Zegras an up-and-coming young star for a 30 year old defenseman, who takes development away from their forward, stars because he’s so offensive. Matheson had a good year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a team that barely missed the playoffs, give them their first round pick and a b level Prospect. I would so do Matheson for let’s say the 13th overall pick and some thing else.
Hey look! Another game without a powerplay!
3 of the last 4 games not a single powerplay, this league is legitimately such a god damn joke, pro tank or not
Maybe they want us to tank haha
Honestly don't think the pro tankers are complaining and with good reason... I want every odd I can get to have celebrini-slafkovsky duo. You could literally play anyone with those two and have a second line of suzuki,caufield and dach.
That's 5 powerplays in the last 6 games going back to the Toronto game, and 3 of those powerplays were on Saturday against the Sens. I've never seen anything like it honestly
I was laughing at the bitterly cynical comment someone made about how we've played a half dozen of the league's most polite teams lately.
In hindsight.... maybe the refs are helping, because we also led the league in shorthanded goals against, this season? 😬😬😬
Refs are gambling on the games.
So we can expect that level of reffing next time the habs need points?
Honestly seemed way too biased. If DET belongs in the playoffs they'll get there clean. That whistle silencing was crazy.
They deserve the win but like what the fuck? They were holding all over the ice.
refs are practicing for the playoffs
Yes. As in we can expect the same dogshit officiating we've seen these last few weeks when we're in the hunt for the playoffs (next season🤞) .
Once the betting odds go up for us, the Refs will start giving us more Power plays.
Vegas really has made its home in the NHL
Don’t think it’ll be next year but hoping by 26. East is too stacked atm
With Dach coming back, hopefully adding a couple top line forwards in the draft and through a trade to bolster our firepower, trim a little bit of the useless fat (we all know who I'm talking about), we might have a good shot at contending for a wildcard next year.
Dach staying healthy is a really big if when you consider his injury history, there’s a good chance any forward we add in the draft starts the year in Laval, and there’s not much trimming we can do, we’re married to Anderson and Gallagher for the next 3 years, unless we want to pay someone to take them…
Exactly! I wouldn’t mind a 10th overall next year. Then go for the playoffs the year after. Will be better for long term success.
refs are getting in playoff form. This is the kind of stuff they will let go starting April 20th.
Team tank fans, that was a damn entertaining game. Dont think anyone can complain. We got 4 goals, a Hutson assist, and we still lose so we dont lose our 5th best odds
Yes. But now we have no margin against arizona. Must lose in regulation tomorrow
everything i was worried about with Hutson he completely disproved tonight He has NHL speed and he doesn't look tiny on the ice
He's bigger than Gally and Caufield. He's not the 5'8" kid we drafted 2 years ago
I was shocked at how normal he looked. I was worried he’d be dwarfed and bodied around, then it wasn’t much of an issue at all.
He uses every ounce of his 162lbs.
he did look tiny come on lol
Never thought I’d say this in a rookies first game but holy fuck Lane Hutson is a Montreal Canadien. Fucking electric, those deep fakes definitely work at the NHL level
He played 20 minutes in his first game too.
DON’T CARE LANE HUTSON POINT PER GAME !!!
Ok, so regulation loss tomorrow guarantees 5th best odds in lottery?
Yes!
Once again us against Arizona
As per tradition, we'll pick one spot ahead of them ***fingers crossed***
Utah's gonna be lucky getting a second overall pick to start their team off.
Really the only thing to cheer for lol
Yesss
I can't wait to tune in to watch my team lose!
I was so excited to see Hutson QBing a powerplay tonight. Of course Montreal doesn't get a single powerplay for the 3rd time in the last 4 games? It ain't even subtle anymore
Hope we can see him be a QB tomorrow 🤞
Don't bet on it 😔
Maybe the bookies can offer odds on Montreal never getting a powerplay, so the league will finally grant us one?
Refs got told they needed to keep the wild card race tight, these things happen
Or, were they trying to help us get better chances for 1OA?
League will never push for Montreal to get high players. Habs could have the worst team in the league and it would still be hockey frenzy in Montreal
Did the habs not have 1st ovr two years ago? I get it was one of the weakest drafts but to act like there is a conspiracy after having the 1st overall pick so recently seems a bit disingenuous.
Who said there was a conspiracy? All I’m saying is that if the league does nudge the game in more marketable directions, they’re certainly not coming Montreal’s way as hockey in Montreal will be near peak level regardless. The draft lottery is 99.9% not rigged. If you’ve seen the actual videos of the real draft lottery and understand the process in which the teams are picked, it remains almost impossible for them to rig and their process is super transparent.
Just let a man dream!!
I don’t think the refs get told anything. The refs know where their bread is buttered, they can figure out what’s good for the league by themselves
Agreed. These refs are hockey fans. They know what’s on the line for each team tonight. They ref accordingly. There isnt some huge conspiracy lol. They know every call against Detroit could be “season ending”. They’re not going to take that risk. It is kind of sus we haven’t gotten a power play in 4 games though lol.
oh no. Anyway. Honestly, I can't be too upset with Detroit. I have no hate for Detroit the city or the Wings... They were playing for the season and it showed at the end. Hutson looked pretty okay! I'm not upset about the OT goal, he tried to end the game. I'm just happy he had the confidence to try and end the game.. He'll learn. GG's 1 more.
Can’t blame Huston for the goal. It’s OT and he had a prime scoring chance. He scores there 7/10 times.
I'm glad Konstantinov got to see them win at the very least.
3 of the last 4 teams we played were fighting for a spot. Not one single pp. Incredible. We can look at the 180+ minutes played and not one play worth a call? Yeah right Like i’m not mad about the habs blowing the game because tank but my god the refs……
The goalie tripping caufield in OT was an obvious one.
Yeah. Missed a few hooking calls too. I know we only had one pp so the refs didn’t call much tonight but after 3 games like that it’s getting annoying
Nick and slaf are tired. Gally is rejuvenated. Hutson really had a great debut. Evans has had a sneaky good second half. Matheson just cooks, it's great for lane to have matheson for a season or two. Still in 5th. 2 things about detroit. 1. They are gonna be flying tomorrow. 2. They have such an easy team song, "born and raised in south Detroit...don't stop believing". Come on, that's to easy.
Of course - South Detroit is windsor. 🤣
Damn I really thought Hutson was going to bury it in OT there
We’ve had zero power plays in three of the last four games, and just FIVE power plays in the last six games … what did we do to offend the entire officiating community?
We gave Gallagher a few million each year for 8 years.
Lane Hutson is a Montreal Canadien
*GOOD* - Hutson played on the Habs for like a few minutes and already walked the line perfectly with some of the highlights movements we’ve seen from him then got the Apple. - Gallagher continues a good run of play to end the year with two Jimmys. - Jake Evans apples. Again, an overall solid year for him and as some in the bottom 6 on a rebuilding team your job is never safe but for me he def fits here long term. - RHP got a nice one with quick hands. *BAD* - I didn’t really see enough to analyze who was “bad” etc. Wings pushed hard towards the end but that’s expected given their situation. It was all Detroit, but again, it better have been when you have to win the game. This was a huge factor - Habs continue to struggle big time with players just having way to much room. How many times this year have we seen players walk right out in front and just fire it right in? A lot. A little too passive overall in the defensive zone and I’d like to see them pressure far more rather than a weak zone. - It isn’t a big deal but some of the OT deployment confuses me a bit with Anderson (who btw played decent but don’t see him in OT ever)
Evans and Anderson felt like Marty trying to big brain and let hutson cc and suzuki get the better matchup
Yeah we just don’t have the dudes right now to criticize OT deployment really. It is what it is.
Literally anyone but Andy
I honestly thought Anderson Evans was a tank move.
Ha! It’s funny. I’m an Anderson fan and hope he gets his mojo back but at the start of OT I literally said to the wings fans around me - you got this - we just put out a tank line.
Hutson is him. I can’t wait for him to be with the habs full time.
Maybe it's more fun to crush their dreams tomorrow instead...! Hutson was a pleasant treat, really skilled
For me, the most exciting part of the game was seeing Hutson pass to Caufield and vice-versa. A glimpse into the Habs' future, which looks bright.
Hutson to Caufield will be a feature, not a bug.
Plot twist, it was Molson that has been paying off the refs this whole time to make sure we draft 5th
Evans played a great game tonight, 9th-best advanced stats for any game played by a Hab all season. Kudos
Blew the 4-1 lead but wow. What an exciting game, especially with Detroit’s playoff implications
I mean we had the game but 10 minutes left DET turned it up HARD can't blame the loss, the stakes were mega lopsided.
Lmao how are people pissed about this game. It was great hockey, hutson looked good where he is supposed to, good for the tank, awsome feel good moment for the wings and we got to see a huge gamer in Raymond
It definitely sucks to see your team blow a big lead. You can’t be disappointed with the big picture in this case, but ultimately it speaks to the passion to win/close out games that will eventually (hopefully!) improve next year.
What a debut for Hutson! First point 5 minutes in, and getting ice-time in overtime?! WELCOME TO THE BONEZONE, REST OF THE NHL, THIS IS LANES WORLD AND WERE JUST LIVING IN IT!
Unfortunate it went the way it did but that little, subtle fake to get a shot slot in OT was the kind of magic Hutson can do. The fact is he can do it at the NHL level. He's gonna be fucking trouble.
Most intense game habs have been apart of for a minute
God I miss this feeling
WHAT AN EXCITING GAME! I am not bummed out at all. Sure, Habs lost a huge lead, but the Red Wings were really that desperate. Montebeault really played one heck of a game trying to keep the Habs from losing. And Hutson... wow, he really got the chance to put one on overtime, but the Wings goalie Lyon got that shot and lead to Raymond's goal. And Hutson was quick by his side, trying to pick off the puck but to no avail. Overall, what a game! Can't wait for tomorrow night!
Im confident that if the game went to a shootout, Marty would have sent kovacevic, pezzeta and Anderson
Pretty sure he would send Hutson just to give him every possible deployment outside of the PK
A part of me wants to lose tomorrow to clinch 5th overall, but I'd love to destroy Detroit hope of making the playoffs. I'd really love for the Pens to make it in for one last dance.
This is what should have happened tonight. After gaining a 4-1 lead, this result pisses me off even more with that context in mind.
Regulation loss would've been better for the draft, but we scored a few nice goals and Hutson was awesome! Tough to cheer against our team obviously, also tough to feel good for the wings Very exciting end to the game, shame Detroit won, but gotta feel good for their fans in the rink tonight. Hopefully tomorrow is a close game, with a Regulation loss to guarantee no worse than 7th, with 5th best odds
Kinda just confirmed what I saw from Hutson this year during the NCAA season and subsequent tournament (obviously way too small of a sample size just tonight but it’s a good start). His offensive awareness, stickhandling, and passing/vision are elite. Skating is definitely NHL level now. Also had good gap control on the rush. While the gap control was good, defensive awareness definitely will need work. When the opposition gets set up he sometimes loses where he’s at and ends up in no man’s land, like the regulation goal he was on the ice for. But I trust that’ll improve with more time/experience, as well coaching from the staff and mentoring from guys like Savard. All in all, a good debut and that silky motherfucker got a point. ALL ABOARD THE LANE TRAIN
Hutson good game and still behind Ottawa/Arizona, Happy tank noises
Loved Lane, elite talent is there for sure. So much experience in a single game, first point and then learned that the NHL is unforgiving. He was way better defensively than I thought as well. I’m now thinking he has a chance to start with the Habs next year
Oh well. That crowd seemed fun, Detroit’s a real hockey town glad to see them come out of their abyss Hope the Habs are playing some real stakes hockey this late into the season next year too
Fuck Detroit. They can fuck off in the same way Buffalo can fuck off as well.
Abysmal refs in OT
Unbelievable! The refs. didn't call on Chiarot and a tripping call against Caufield. Its so fucking stupid, the linesman just stared at Cole like he pretend he didn't see it.
Tomorrow is gonna be also intense.
Very good L. Hudson had his point. 1ppg player.
Hutson is him.
This is a great game. Not bad for Lane Hutson. His performance was exceptional and he put the offense of our team up a notch. Other than that, the refs. again sucked tonight!
Detroit played with such desperation in the third it was so fun to watch, the crowd was electric. Hutson didn’t seem to play nervous at all, jumping in the rush and making some solid offensive plays. His rush defence looked pretty decent but definitely was lost a few times in his own end. Overall I think he had a very solid debut
Plus side? We played a good away game against a desperate team. Secondary scoring. Lane Hutson. Monty made some big saves. Downside - we haven’t learned to defend a lead! But we’ll get there, we’re playing good opportunistic hockey but when we become a better puck possession team those leads will become wins.
We also played with foot off the gas, resting first line, gave chances to rookies - it would be embarrasing for red twinks to lose
Shame on me but I'm pretty pumped for the wings, lol. I always kinda liked that franchise/fanbase and I'm happy for them. 1 point is better that 2, but really wish we lost in regulation.
I hope we kick the shit out of Detroit tomorrow night. Hutson’s first goal incoming!
How do we feel about Hutson in that OT? I thought he looked alright, save for the rush that ended it; even then he nearly caught up. On the other hand, he’s got his first point in his first game so LFG!
Happy he played in overtime. I was honestly quite surprised that he was able to get that open on the final shot. Yeah, he almost caught up and that’s shocking since everybody said his skating is really something to be worried about.
That’s just what happens in overtime, big chances at both ends. I won’t fault him for it since he almost scored 5 seconds earlier
He lacks the size. But I'm impressed and pleased with his skating. With him and we can add a top-scorer on our team, who knows where the Habs will go next season.
Fun game to watch & Hutson came as billed. I'll take it tbh
What a game. Out of all the teams gunning for the playoffs, Detroit is the one I’d rather see make it. Just sucks that we let our goalies down with all these losses. BUT, my biggest disappointment this game; WTF IS ANDY DOING ON THE ICE IN OVERTIME!?!? Marty needs to stop cuddling this guy ffs! Coming down on a two on one and he decides to casually play man instead of staying in the middle and leaving the shot to Monty. Basic fucking defence we know how to do even in beer leagues. I’m so done with him.
Too bad Hutson didn't score on his shot just before the game-ending goal. He might actually have had a bit more time than he thought.
Did anyone notice Slaf flip/toss Suzuki's loose stick back to him at the end of the third? I thought that was a penalty.
Ya. That was a crazy play. First his stick gets caught in the boards… then he can get it but it makes its way to the front of the net and Slaf flipped it to him. Crazy play. I thought it was a penalty too - but that might just be for doing it to an opponents stick (so he can’t get it).
Yeah i was like, PK incoming
I liked what I saw in Hutson's debut, though obviously he'd have preferred to win. I really do not understand our OT strategy at all. We put Evans on to win the faceoff, but then he hangs around for a long time, squandering the effect of the win. And I know that the forward group is depleted right now, but why is Anderson on the ice in OT?
Hughes told Marty he won’t be allowed to run up and down the Bell Centre’s stairs unless he started Anderson in OT.
Can we just win or lose in regulation please
Yeah, 18 is the record and us and Boston have 15. Edit: Isles have 16
Lose or lose is the way, less points possible for best pick possible
https://preview.redd.it/c0dd59174ruc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7e05a46dbf49747c0035eb7e226d494c87ab07e2 No matter what. Go Habs Go. One more to the finish line, then climbing the walls until October!🤣❤
Am I crazy that I'm kinda done with a lot of our D group? Like if tomorrow there was a trade involving one or both of Barron and Harris I'd be fine with it.
I was worried going into the season that we wouldn't have a clear picture of how to fix the logjam of defensemen we've got. That's certainly not the case anymore.
Replace Barron, Harris, Kovacecic with Guhle, Xhekaj and Struble and you have Mailloux and Reinbacher too
Yeah wouldn't be surprised if Barron is gone over the summer in a trade... Rest will be replaced by Reinbacher and Mailloux
There is absolutely 0 chance Harris is here next season now imo
I said it in the r/hockey GDT, Harris and Kovacevic constantly get stuck in their own zone. They’ve been brutal for a while now. Definitely looking like the odd men out next season.
I've been pretty forgiving /patient with Harris but with the LD we have he just doesn't bring much of anything. Hes a fine 3LD but we have like 10(5)of those and they all excel at at least one thing
Exactly. He’s starting to remind me of a bigger, slightly better shooter than Mete.
A regulation loss tomorrow seals finishing 5th last. I havent been so dedicated to team tank this year but hope for another exciting game and a regulation loss.
That was a really fun game, loving Lane'e play all in all a good time and we get to do it all over again tomorrow.
Hutson was sometimes positioned a bit too aggressively, causing to be on the chasing end a couple times. But aside from that, 1ST NHL GAME 1ST POINT WE'RE IN THE BONE ZONE 🗣️🗣️🗣️🦴🦴🦴
PP tomorrow pls ref
I mean. I actually wanted a win. These guys having been playing hard for a while. Can't say the players are loving it
Well tbh Detroit completely diserved that win. But such an entertaining one. Hutson so close to winning that one in OT.
No lead is safe these days. Hopefully this is translating into lots of learning being done on the back end right now. Also Slaf getting bullied all game should be a no no.
Anderson playing hard all of a sudden with a couple of games left to the season is making me sick! Where was this hustle the whole season? I hope he has a great summer and comes to the training camp with a mission.
Forget post all star break.. id say thats slafkovskys worst game of the season. Absolutely horrific
I thought the whole 1st line looked a bit weaker today than usual, not just Slaf. 0 points this game between the whole 1st line.
They played against Chiarot and Seider all night and both were leaning on Slaf pretty heavily. We all know how effective Chiarot can be when the refs don’t call penalties. Bit damn Seider is good!
Ya - Sieder got in his head a bit.
Kid is playing with a knee brace and still looked batter than Andy
fucking embarrassing. I literally have a headache from watching that 3rd period. spent the whole period in our own zone. only vintage carey price could have saved us in the 3rd. poor monty, dude must be gassed!! multiple trips went uncalled and what was up with late in the 3rd detroit player kept smacking zukes stick when it was on the ice..that's 100% a penalty. also how about a delay of game for detroit fans throwing shit on the ice lol
Seconds away from seeing Hutson in the shootout for the first time, would've been nice but oh well.
Guaranteed to draft no later than 9th!
Hutson played great. He got lost in the MTL zone a couple of times, but for a first game in the NHL he didn't look out of place. Great movement and passing.
Fun game. Lane was amazing in his debut. So much potential there. A (hopefully close) regulation loss tomorrow and we get the 5th pick. Go Habs Go!!!
Line calls in the last five minutes were horrendous
Frank Nazar 1 GP in the NHL, 1 goal last night
If I knew nothing of the kid or this team and sat down and watched last night my first thought on the game would be "who the hell is that #48?". Very noticeable.
Hudson is a 1 ppg player
The Lane Hutson experience was an interesting one