Wilde's Call: Canadiens Head into Olympic Break with Dominant 5-1 Victory Over Jets

Canada - Ekhbary News Agency

Wilde's Call: Canadiens Head into Olympic Break with Dominant 5-1 Victory Over Jets

As the Montreal Canadiens prepared to enter the Olympic break, they delivered a resounding statement with a convincing 5-1 triumph over the Winnipeg Jets. This final contest before a 21-day hiatus was an opportunity for the Canadiens to finish on a high note, and they seized it with a performance that showcased both resilience and offensive prowess.

While the Winnipeg Jets have shown recent signs of improvement despite their standings, they were ultimately outmatched. After a sluggish opening 10 minutes where they were outplayed, the Canadiens found their rhythm and systematically dismantled the Jets' defense, securing a crucial win that offered a glimpse of their potential.

A significant talking point emerging from the game was the exceptional performance of defenseman Lane Hutson, whose exclusion from the USA Olympic team has raised eyebrows. Hutson's statistics speak volumes about his impact. His 10th goal of the season, a skillful finish from close range after a pass from Josh Anderson, was a highlight. However, scoring is merely one facet of his game. Hutson excels in playmaking, ranking second in the league for assists with 48, trailing only Quinn Hughes. His total of 58 points in 57 games already surpasses his rookie season's output, placing him third among all defensemen in league scoring.

The debate surrounding Hutson's Olympic candidacy often centers on defensive responsibilities. Critics point to the importance of two-way play for defensemen. Yet, Hutson's defensive metrics are equally impressive. His plus-21 rating on the season ranks him 12th overall in the NHL. Even when delving into advanced analytics like Corsi, where he sits 19th, Hutson consistently ranks among the league's elite. His primary perceived limitation appears to be his height, listed at 5'9", a factor that seems to have overshadowed his undeniable skill and statistical dominance.

The Canadiens' initial struggles in the game were evident, as they were dominated by the Jets in the early stages. However, goaltender Samuel Montembeault stood tall, delivering a crucial performance in the first period despite not having played in 11 days. His strong showing was instrumental in keeping the Canadiens within striking distance, preventing the game from spiraling out of control. Montembeault ultimately made 36 saves on 37 shots, a testament to his focus and ability.

Montembeault's resilience allowed the Canadiens to settle into their game. Forward Oliver Kapanen demonstrated his scoring touch with his 18th goal of the year. Instead of forcing a play, Kapanen displayed composure, deking around the goalie and tucking the puck home. The line featuring Phillip Danault, Josh Anderson, and Brendan Gallagher also had a strong outing. Anderson assisted on Hutson's goal, and Gallagher contributed significantly with two early assists. Gallagher then capped off his productive night with a tap-in goal, set up by a beautiful pass from Kirby Dach.

Kirby Dach continues to be a player of intriguing potential, often showing flashes of brilliance after periods of perceived struggle, only to be hampered by injuries. The hope remains that he can consistently unlock his considerable talent.

This victory provides a much-needed morale boost for the Canadiens as they head into the Olympic break, offering a positive note to build upon for the remainder of their season.

Ekhbary News Agency