Analyst criticizes Martin St-Louis' use of Lane Hutson on the power play
This Thursday morning, on the airwaves of BPM Sports, former Montreal Canadiens player Gilbert Delorme delivered a clear message to Martin St-Louis.
Yes, the 5-on-3 situation in Washington is once again generating plenty of discussion in Montreal.
On BPM Sports, Gilbert Delorme did not mince his words. He criticized Martin St-Louis' decision not to send Lane Hutson out during that 5-on-3 sequence.
He also pointed out the fact that Hutson was removed from the first power-play unit in favor of Noah Dobson. Here is his rather harsh take:
"It's essential to have Lane Hudson on the power play all the time. Stop trying to think outside the box and overcoaching. Because right now that's exactly what's happening. Lane Hudson will find a way to generate offense. He doesn't give a damn how they defend. He'll look at what's happening. He's so intelligent, he keeps his head up, he'll find a seam, he'll find a pass. He's one of the best defensemen in the NHL at generating offense. And he's on the bench when you have a 5-on-3.
Your best players have to be on the ice, and Demidov has to be there too.
- Gilbert Delorme
Your best players have to be on the ice, and Demidov has to be there too.
- Gilbert Delorme
Hutson is coming off a season of 82 games with 66 points, including six goals and 60 assists. When you see a rookie defenseman deliver that kind of production, you understand why many want to see him on the ice when it matters most.
Gilbert Delorme Still Can't Get Over Martin St-Louis' Decision Regarding Lane Hutson
As Gilbert mentions, Lane Hutson doesn't care how the opposing team defends. In any situation, he will adjust and generate offense.
On the other side, Dobson is not a "default" choice either. In 2024-25, he played 71 games and recorded 39 points, with 10 goals and 29 assists.
Those are numbers that explain why the organization trusts him in key moments, especially when the power play is searching for answers.
However, that does not justify leaving Lane Hutson glued to the bench. Delorme's criticism, at its core, strikes a sensitive chord. Fans want their best tools on the ice when the opposing team is down a man - and even more so when it's down two.
When you have a 5-on-3, you're not asking for a decent shift, you're asking for a goal. What makes this delicate is the management of the message. By removing Hutson from the first unit, you also change the perception of roles.
You're saying the hierarchy can shift, even when a player has already filled the scoresheet over a full, strong season, and is having an incredible season again.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 15|1094 ANSWERS Analyst criticizes Martin St-Louis' use of Lane Hutson on the power play On the 5-on-3, who do you want to see? | ||
| Lane Hutson | 592 | 54.1 % |
| Noah Dobson | 68 | 6.2 % |
| Both | 434 | 39.7 % |
| List of polls | ||