Lane Hutson to play with David Savard

That’s it: we’re in the last week of activities for the Canadiens.

The club has a game in Detroit tonight before heading back to Montreal to host the Red Wings tomorrow night at Le Temple. After that, it’s locker emptying time… and then it’s over.

Can’t wait for it to be over, or are you going to miss the Flanelle?

Tonight and tomorrow night, we can fully expect to see Lane Hutson play his first NHL games. The young defenseman will be burning a year of his contract, and after this week’s games, he’ll know a little more about what to work on this summer.

But the question remains: who will he play with in his NHL debut?

Right now, the Habs have seven healthy defensemen: Mike Matheson, David Savard, Jordan Harris, Johnathan Kovacevic, Jayden Struble, Justin Barron and Lane Hutson.

Arber Xhekaj (season over) and Kaiden Guhle (we don’t know what’s going on with him) are on the sidelines.

Martin St-Louis will have to decide who Hutson will play with. Matheson and Struble are not options because they are left-handed and only play left. Justin Barron is not an option because such a duo would be horrible defensively.

That leaves three options for me: David Savard, Jordan Harris and Johnathan Kovacevic.

And it’s clear to me that Lane Hutson would benefit from playing with Savard, who is known for his fire feinting, defensive skills, veteran leadership and toughness.

Everything Hutson is not.

I hope the Canadiens play Lane Hutson with David Savard. That way you get one defenseman who is known for his highlight reel dangles and Lane Hutson.

– Jared Book (@jaredbook) April 13, 2024

Hutson could take some chances (if he feels in control enough to do so, he who could also play not to make mistakes on the ice) knowing that Papa Savard is behind.

I can’t wait to see which defenseman skips his turn tonight. Will Martin St-Louis take out Struble, Kovacevic, Barron, Harris… or will he play with seven defensemen tonight?

I don’t think so, but who knows.

And while we’re on the subject of defense, let’s not forget that we might see Logan Mailloux on Tuesday night at the Bell Centre. The Rocket will only play on Friday, giving Mailloux time, if the Habs are willing, to get his feet wet in the NHL.

In gusto

– The Rangers can secure home-ice advantage for the rest of the playoffs with a win tonight.

Clinching scenario: #NYR capture Metropolitan Division, Eastern Conference No. 1 seed and Presidents’ Trophy with a win tonight in any fashion over #Sens.

– Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 15, 2024

– What a player!

Slowed by injury, MP Poulin gave her all during the tournament, including 2 goals in the final. “We had tears in our eyes, she deserved it so much. She’s our clutch captain and we adore her.” -Gina Kingsbury, dg Team Canada @RDSca pic.twitter.com/YBgKDqtSjt

– Andrée-Anne Barbeau (@AABarbeau) April 15, 2024

– Two weeks ago, we didn’t think Trois-Rivières would finish its season. Now the Lions are in the playoffs.

The Lions qualify for the playoffs on the final day of the regular season. Now the work begins.

Playoff rosters are due tomorrow. Then game 1 of the first round series against the Norfolk Admirals is Wednesday in Trois-Rivières.

Games 1-3 in Trois-Rivières
Games 4-7 in Norfolk pic.twitter.com/4yEAfyyRy9

– Andrew Zadarnowski (@AZadarski) April 15, 2024

– With good reason.

Minnesota Twins | Edouard Julien’s efforts pay off https://t.co/TroKH96Td4

– La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) April 15, 2024

– Ouch.

Probably not what he had in mind. https://t.co/kuRBFQoLOy

– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) April 15, 2024