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Canadiens must follow Lane Hutson's lead to rebound in Game 4

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27.05.2026

MONTREAL — It wasn’t all Lane Hutson’s fault, but it didn’t matter.

What mattered was that he wouldn’t let himself off the hook for his mistake.

Hutson may be only 22 years old. He may still only be a kid in the eyes of many. But it’s with actions like these that he carries himself as a man.

For as understated as Hutson is, what’s most impressive about him off the ice is that he carries himself as the man. And while he may be seen on the outside as a young player who’s too harsh with himself at times, he’s seen by the Canadiens as a player who’s exactly who he needs to be with himself at all times.

“Those superstar players, you know they challenge themselves and they have high expectations,” said Joe Veleno. “Good is never good enough for them. He’s one of those guys who always demands more and always wants more. You like to see that especially with the culture that’s been built here. And the mindset that he has, the leadership, everyone sees that and gets attached to that mindset, so that’s just the kind of person he is.”

He's the person the Canadiens must use as a compass to even this series in Game 4 against the Carolina Hurricanes (8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, Sportsnet, Sportsnet ).

For four days, after each of their last two losses, the Canadiens have been (rightfully) praising their opponents in this Eastern Conference Final.

“They’re a team that sometimes feels like they have six players on the ice,” said Veleno, and considering how much pressure the Hurricanes have applied on the Canadiens, that’s what it’s looked like.

But it’s time for several players on the Canadiens to respond.

Some of them need a good, long look in the mirror.

If Alex Texier, Kirby Dach and Noah Dobson aren’t looking in one after reviewing the tape from Game 3, that’ll bode poorly for the Canadiens come Game 4. They didn’t bring efforts on par........

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