The Montreal Canadiens may be behind the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 in the Eastern Conference Final, but one thing is now very clear before Game 4. The 22-year-old Lane Hutson has emerged as one of the crucial leaders and the heartbeat of the team.

After Montreal’s tough Game 3 loss, Hutson could have blamed Carolina’s pressure or the team’s mistakes. Instead, he reacted in a completely different way.

“It would be nice to be up 2-1, but we’re not because of me,” Hutson said.

That attitude is why the Montreal Canadiens already see Lane Hutson as one of their most important players, even at a young age.

Teammate Joe Veleno said Hutson has a superstar mindset. He explained that top players always push themselves and never feel satisfied with just playing well enough. Veleno also said Hutson’s mentality is spreading through Montreal’s locker room.

That leadership is very important right now because the Carolina Hurricanes have controlled large parts of the series with constant pressure and disciplined hockey. Veleno even said Carolina sometimes looks like they have “six players on the ice” because they attack so aggressively and efficiently.

Still, the Canadiens are not getting overpowered in talent. The biggest difference has been maturity, consistency, and making the right plays in important moments. Lane Hutson understands this, which is why he refuses to make excuses.

Montreal Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said deep playoff runs require almost every player to perform at a high level. That is why Hutson has become so important.

The Canadiens know he will bring full intensity in Game 4. The big question is whether the rest of the team can match his energy and urgency.

Canadiens Need More From Their Core Players

Although Lane Hutson has emerged as the emotional leader, several Montreal Canadiens players need to deliver a much stronger performance in Game 4.

The performances of Alex Texier, Kirby Dach, and Noah Dobson were below playoff expectations in Game 3. Defenders Kaiden Guhle and Alex Carrier also admitted they tried to do too much rather than play simple, strong defensive hockey.

Guhle said the Canadiens must get back to basics — defend hard, keep plays simple, and avoid forcing difficult decisions under pressure. Carrier shared the same message and said the team must bring strong effort and consistency on every shift.

Even players like Nick Suzuki and Jake Evans, who have played well in the playoffs, were only “good” in Game 3. And against the Carolina Hurricanes, that is not enough.

Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour praised Montreal’s young core but said mature playoff teams make smart, simple decisions and avoid risky mistakes.

That is now the challenge for the Canadiens. Lane Hutson already plays with that mindset. If they want to tie the series, the rest of the team must follow his example.

Read more at NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Ankita Yadav