Lane Hutson will become a centerpiece of the Canadiens. One day, he will perhaps be recognized as the best player in the 2022 draft. A vintage in which he was selected at 62e rang.
Already, he is showing signs in this direction. He handles the puck, sees the play and moves with the ease of a veteran of several seasons. But he is still in learning mode. His performance in yesterday's match, despite the Canadian's 4-3 victory in Detroit, reminded us that the American is barely 20 years old. And he only has 34 games of NHL experience.
Overall, the rookie didn't have a bad game, but she was responsible for two Wings goals. On the first, that of Patrick Kane, he escaped the disc at his own blue line, allowing the locals to orchestrate a quick counter-attack.
And since it was Kirby Dach who tried to counter Kane, we suspected that it would end badly.
On the third, that of Tyler Motte, his attempt to place the puck in the neutral zone was intercepted by Michael Rasmussen. Not at the end of his troubles, Hutson saw the relay from Rasmussen to Motte pass under his nose.
Dissatisfied, the defender hammered the ice with his stick. Stéphane Robidas had to whisper a few words in his ear, upon his return to the bench, to calm him down and boost his morale.
We recognize the real ones by their ability to get up quickly. Three appearances later, his determination near Cam Talbot's net forced Joe Veleno to take a penalty, giving the Habs a numerical superiority.
Massive attack in which Hutson repeated what he does almost as regularly as a metronome: setting the table for a goal from Patrik Laine.
A seventh goal in eight games for the Finn. All registered identically, even if the entire planet knows the game pattern.
Evans makes himself indispensable
For the first time this season, the Habs exceeded the 30 shots mark. A collective effort considering that each of the 18 skaters recorded at least one.
That said, it is to the fourth trio, the one composed of Emil Heineman, Jake Evans and Joel Armia that we must tip our hats.
Heineman set the tone by allowing his team to open the scoring in an eighth game in a row. Evans celebrated the 300th game of his career by scoring a beautiful goal shorthanded.
As for Armia, he was practically the one who did all the work to allow Arber Xhekaj to shine the red light for the first time this season.
The Finn was also very solid in puck protection, while the Red Wings attacked with six players. Defensive work to highlight, just like that of Evans.
Moreover, these two defensive game specialists and Heineman are the only Canadian forwards to have finished the evening above the freezing point.
Just like that. Remember that good Jake is looking for a new contract. Since the start of the season, he has shown himself to be indispensable.
Successful return to school for Carrier
Alexandre Carrier made his dream of wearing the Canadian colors come true. And he made it back to school. The defender acquired Wednesday night was used for just over 18 and a half minutes. He did a more than honest job.
As expected, he offered Martin St-Louis and his assistants an additional option on the numerical penalty. Carrier saw action in three of the eight minutes Montreal spent one man short.
Simple, but effective games, reliable physical and defensive involvement, the Quebecer seemed comfortable to the right of Kaiden Guhle.
Now that the ice is broken, Carrier can prepare for an emotional evening tomorrow night at the Bell Centre.
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