The Canadiens’ decision regarding young defenseman Lane Hutson has faced significant backlash from fans and analysts alike. Critics have been vocal since the beginning of the season about the choice to include Mike Matheson on the first power-play unit while frequently sidelining Hutson during five-on-four situations.
A particular decision made during the match against the Buffalo Sabres seems to have pushed some over the edge. Why does Montreal continue to favor Matheson on the power play, even when he’s struggling? Many are calling for a change.
It’s somewhat understandable that coach Martin St-Louis might hesitate to bench his veteran player and wants Hutson to earn his spot. However, the real concern is that St-Louis hasn’t shown any intent to make a change, even in games where Matheson isn’t performing well. While I can appreciate the rationale behind giving Matheson time, I disagreed with the handling of the situation during the recent game. Matheson was having a poor performance, while Hutson was excelling, and I would have preferred to see Hutson on the top power play unit.
“Hard coaching” also means selecting players who enhance your chances of winning, particularly those who are likely to be part of your core moving forward.
In the game against Buffalo, the choice to stick with Matheson over Hutson didn’t resonate well with some fans.
What’s your take on this situation?
At 30 years old, Matheson is on track for a 51-point season, averaging 3 minutes and 18 seconds per game on the power play. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Hutson is also projected for a 51-point season, averaging 2 minutes and 27 seconds on the power play.
It will be interesting to see how this situation develops. One thing is clear: having two talented offensive defensemen is a fortunate position for the team. There’s no outright wrong choice, but in my opinion, Martin St-Louis should feel confident in opting for the player who is performing better.
