Marc Dumont
Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Wednesday.
Montreal Canadiens News
The outlook for springtime hockey in Montreal has improved significantly in recent days. There are no guarantees in life, and the Canadiens will have to do their part, but the remaining schedule should work to their advantage. Every team currently chasing the Habs in the Eastern Conference playoff race has a much more difficult remaining strength of schedule [Updated Montreal Canadiens Playoff Odds: The Final Stretch]
We all know Lane Hutson is enjoying one of the most productive rookie seasons from a defenceman in league history, but what about his defensive play? Much has been made about his defensive impact, but the fact remains that when Hutson is on the ice, the Canadiens tend to control the play. And when a player ends up being placed on Hutson’s pairing, his underlying numbers immediately improve. The numbers don’t lie, Hutson makes everyone around him better. [Montreal Canadiens Mythbusting: Lane Hutson’s Defensive Impact]
The Laval Rocket secured their 40th win of the season on Tuesday, setting a record for the most wins in franchise history. Laurent Dauphin scored a hat trick (20,21,22) in the 3-0 win over their rivals, the Toronto Marlies. Cayden Primeau now sports an impressive 16-2-0 record, not to mention a sparkling .917 save percentage.
If you haven’t had a chance to catch the Rocket yet this season I strongly encourage you to check them out. They can score, fight, hit, and most important of all, they’re the best team in the AHL.
It’s never a bad time for five-straight minutes of Hutson-related fun in the offensive zone. Given the lack of elite talent in Montreal in the last few decades, it’s almost hard to believe a Canadiens player is doing this as a rookie, but it’s real, and it’s spectacular. Note the number of times Hutson set up a teammate perfectly, only to see that perfect pass die on their stick.
Lane Hutson in the offensive zone mixtape pic.twitter.com/PlsnEqZe27
— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) March 19, 2025
We were very close to witnessing an ugly scene on Tuesday. According to Martin Biron, it was the first time veteran Josh Anderson wore cut-resistant socks, which means he put them on just in time to avoid a significant injury. I can still remember when Matt Cooke sliced Erik Karlsson’s Achilles heel, and from that moment on I was wondering why owners wouldn’t immediately mandate better protection. Of course, safety is the most important thing in the long run, but from a business perspective, a $20 investment can protect a multi-million dollar asset.
It’s an easy decision.
Holy fuck! Apparently last night was the first time Josh Anderson wore cut resistant socks, deciding to try them after lots of education from training staff & discussion coming out of the GM meetings
Don’t see how any Habs player doesn’t use em after thispic.twitter.com/iGfOV4yZrg
— Malyssa (@23MAlyssa) March 19, 2025
Bo Horvat is one of us! The New York Islanders forward is a big fan of Nick Suzuki.
“Who would you say is the most underrated player in the NHL?”
Bo Horvat: “I’d like to say probably Nick Suzuki. He’s got a lot of really great qualities to his game. He’s turning into a really good leader. He’s a great hockey player.” https://t.co/THsotaBuAI pic.twitter.com/D1BSImx8FB
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) March 19, 2025
Speaking of Suzuki, I’m still laughing at this hit attempt by Kleven. According to the play-by-play, this is officially a hit by Kleven, but Suzuki has to get credit for the 10-7 split.
Mission: Hit Suzuki
Result: Absolute Failure pic.twitter.com/MpZaJUVja7— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) March 19, 2025
National Hockey Now Network
The Pittsburgh Penguins playoff odds are zero. After hanging on for dear life and even creating the faintest pulse, with a little bit of optimism after a four-game winning streak, the Penguins crashed Tuesday night, giving up four unanswered goals to the New York Islanders in a 4-2 loss at PPG Paints Arena. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
When the reports from NHL insiders confirmed that the New Jersey Devils had traded for Pittsburgh Penguins centre Cody Glass just a half before the trade deadline closed, it drew the ire of some Devils fans. [New Jersey Devils]
Brad Marchand is the newest member of the Florida Panthers and, as far as we can remember, the only member of the team to have his own beer. [Vegas Golden Knights]
