Capitals Coach Gushes over Hutson, Suzuki Line, ‘And They’re So Young’

It was an ignominious end to a resurgent Montreal Canadiens season. Even a few pundits had picked the Canadiens to beat the first-seed Washington Capitals. From the dishevelled youngsters to playoff fighters, the Canadiens progressed light years beyond expectations. And a big part of the rapid turnaround was defenceman Lane Hutson.

The rookie shone brightly and is a good bet to win the Calder Trophy over Calgary Flames goalie Dustin Wolf.

After a remarkable regular season that captured the hockey world’s attention with 66 points (6-60-66) in 82 games, Hutson also set the playoffs afire with five assists in five games during the Habs’ five-game series loss to Washington.

“So, first off, that top line and (Lane) Hutson. What they’re able to do five-on-five … what you have to do as an opposing coach. I remember this when I was in Toronto, against (Nikita) Kucherov and (Brayden) Point. You would have to set a game plan against that whole line,” said Washington coach Spencer Carbery. “And when they got over the boards, you have assistant coaches and players saying, ‘Is that Kucherov, is that Point?’ Trying to figure out who is coming on the ice. It’s the same way with Suzuki. It’s the same way.

“And that’s the ultimate compliment I can pay … those guys have gotten to that level where you have to be ready for them. You’ve got to pre-scout against them, you have to match up against them or else they’re going to make you pay.”

Carbery gushed over the new Canadiens core.

“And they’re so young. And you’re imagining … I don’t even want to go to that place of the next 10 years of having to deal with that,” said Carbery with a bit of admiration.

He continued with praise for the complementary pieces, too.

“That top line and what Lane Hutson has become this year, that’s big time stuff”
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Of course, losing in five games was a bitter pill, and players’ plus-minus stats took a beating, but their play earned Washington’s respect. Hutson had five assists. Cole Caufield had four points, including three goals, despite seeing extra defensive attention from Washington.

Suzuki had only two assists, but his play had pundits and media challenging Carbery to find an answer, especially after Game 4 when the Canadiens’ top line had 23 shot attempts but allowed Washington just eight.

Carbery also began his Game 5 postgame presser with praise for the team, retiring David Savard, and coach Martin St. Louis, too.

The secret is out. The Canadiens are on the way.