The Montreal Canadiens' Olympic Break Prelude: A Dominant Victory
The Canadiens' final performance before the Olympic hiatus was a statement win against the Winnipeg Jets. With a 21-day gap until their next game, the Canadiens aimed to leave a lasting impression.
Despite the Jets' lowly position in the standings, they've shown recent improvement. However, after a sluggish start, the Canadiens secured a commanding 5-1 victory.
Lane Hutson's Olympic Snub: A Shocking Omission
It's astonishing that Lane Hutson was left off the USA Olympic team. His statistical prowess is undeniable. When he received a pass from Josh Anderson, raced towards the goal, and finished from within three feet, it marked his 10th goal of the season.
While goals aren't his primary strength, he ranks among the league's top 15 in that department. Assists are his true specialty, and he's second only to Quinn Hughes with 48 assists this season.
Hutson's Stellar Performance
Hutson's overall performance is remarkable, accumulating 58 points in 57 games. He's surpassing his rookie season's 66 points and ranks third among defenders in points across the league.
But here's where it gets controversial—the argument against his Olympic inclusion is twofold: the importance of defensive responsibility and his height. While Hutson is a plus-21 this season, ranking 12th in the league, his height of five feet and nine inches might be a concern for some.
Goalie Heroics and Offensive Brilliance
The Canadiens started slow, but Samuel Montembeault's stellar performance in the first period kept them in the game. Despite not playing for 11 days, he made 36 saves out of 37 shots, showcasing his readiness.
Oliver Kapanen's 18th goal of the year was a testament to his composure. Instead of rushing, he skillfully maneuvered the puck away from the goalie, backed out, and flipped it upstairs for a deceptively challenging marker.
The line of Phillip Danault, Josh Anderson, and Brendan Gallagher dominated. Anderson assisted Hutson's goal and scored himself on a deflection, while Gallagher had two early assists and sealed the game with a tap-in goal from Kirby Dach's beautiful pass.
Dach's Potential and Injury Woes
Kirby Dach's talent is evident, but his injury struggles hinder his consistency. When healthy, he shines, but injuries have prevented him from reaching his full potential.
Canadiens' Impressive Season So Far
The Canadiens have exceeded expectations, sitting 15 games above NHL .500. With only 17 regulation losses in 57 games, they've provided their loyal fans with an exciting season.
Last season's oddsmakers in Las Vegas predicted 75 points, but the Canadiens achieved 91. This season, they're on track for 104 points, currently ranked eighth in the league.
Trade Deadline Passes Without Moves
As anticipated, the NHL trade deadline came and went without any trades involving the Canadiens. The Olympic trade embargo will remain in place until February 22.
The New York Rangers' trade for Artemi Panarin raised eyebrows. Requesting a top young player in exchange for a 34-year-old with a hefty salary is a questionable strategy. The Rangers acquired Liam Greentree, a mid-level prospect in his fourth season with the Windsor Spitfires.
Patrik Laine's Rumored Departure
The Canadiens weren't in the running for Panarin, as an aging player doesn't fit their rebuilding strategy. However, rumors suggest Patrik Laine could be on the move, with the Canadiens retaining salary to facilitate the trade. Laine has been practicing in a contact jersey, indicating his readiness to play.
The Canadiens' successful rebuild has led to a surprising need for salary cap space to acquire more talent. Laine, who played through a knee injury in Montreal, is now healthy and appears faster. However, he hasn't been given the chance to showcase his full potential.
Playing Laine seems logical, as there's no downside considering the Canadiens are trying to trade him while paying half his salary. The worst-case scenario is a poor performance, which could benefit a team aiming for a higher draft pick.
The story continues after the Olympics, with trades resuming on March 6. Stay tuned for more insights from Brian Wilde, Montreal's renowned sports writer, in his 'Call of the Wilde' column.
