Martin St. Louis makes his feelings known about Lane Hutson's growth in the Canadiens lineup

Lane Hutson has arguably been the biggest find for the Montreal Canadiens this year. The rookie is having a stellar season, and his growth and maturity in the lineup has grown alongside the team's ability to earn points.

The odds were certainly against the Canadiens in their back-to-back game on Saturday night against the Dallas Stars. They were coming off a 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals the previous night and didn't get to sleep until 3 a.m. because of a delay in travel. Meanwhile, the Stars, one of the best teams in the league, had arrived in Montreal a day earlier and were well rested.

The game was tied at 1-1 going into the third period. In a spirited effort, led by Hutson, who proved his defensive skills, and played 8:14 in the final period, the game ended with the score still tied. Montreal ultimately lost in the shootout, but earning that one point from regulation time was big, especially given their recent travel schedule.

In the post-game conference, Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said Hutson's work ethic is symbolic of the team's all-around growth in the last few months.

“The players are playing for what’s best for the team, not what’s best for themselves," St. Louis said. "And I think when you have that buy in, if you’re not bought in, you’re going to stick out like a sore thumb.” [21:30]

“So I think Lane is finding that balance and understands where we are in the game, what’s the score. Because I know if we’re down, you’re going to see him more offensively, trying to get the goal. He’s a smart player, and he realizes what we’re trying to do at that time."

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Lane Hutson realizing the importance of playing with maturity in close games

Lane Hutson Montreal Canadiens at Columbus Blue Jackets - Source: Imagn

Lane Hutson has realized the art of balancing the team's play and acting as per the situation. The rookie defenseman spoke about his approach in the third after the game.

“I think everyone does in those types of games,” Hutson said. “But for me, if there’s a play to be made, I’m going to try to make it. If there’s not, I’m going to play the game that’s being played. And the game that was being played was limited mistakes from them, and we were trying to limit ours, too.”

The Habs have been relying a lot on Lane Hutson lately. In the last 12 games where they have put up a 9-2-1 run, Hutson has been involved on the ice for 13 of the 29 goals they have scored.