In an intense matchup between two of the NHL's top teams since the Four Nations break, the St. Louis Blues decisively triumphed over the Montreal Canadiens with a staggering score of 6-1 on Tuesday night. With this win, the Blues solidified their spot atop the NHL standings since the break, while the Canadiens, despite the loss, remain in playoff contention with just a dozen games left in the regular season.

Highlight of the Night: Lane Hutson's Record-Breaking Performance

One bright spot for Montreal came in the form of rookie defenseman Lane Hutson, who has been lighting up the ice this season. In his 70th game, Hutson notched his 54th point by assisting on Nick Suzuki's first-period goal, setting a new record for rookie defensemen this century. This achievement is particularly impressive given Hutson was selected as the 62nd overall pick in the draft.

As Hutson continues to make headlines, he is on track to join the elite company of only four other rookies in NHL history to reach 50 assists in their debut season. The odds for the Calder Trophy have Hutson poised as a strong contender, trailing only Macklin Celebrini. Hutson’s remarkable performance has opened discussions about the scouting decisions across the league, emphasizing that perhaps size isn't everything when evaluating talent.

Disastrous Game for the Canadiens

Despite Hutson’s individual success, the rest of the Canadiens struggled throughout the game. From the very start, St. Louis dominated, launching the first 11 shots on goal, while the Canadiens appeared sluggish and disorganized. They seemed outmatched and outclassed, making it evident that they were not in the same league as the Blues on that night.

Goaltender Samuel Montembeault had another tough outing, struggling particularly against long shots, but he received little support from a defense that had previously managed to block many scoring chances. This game was a stark reminder of the setbacks the Canadiens need to discard quickly as they look towards overcoming this defeat in their next matchup against Philadelphia.

Looking Ahead: The Return of Kaiden Guhle

Amidst the disappointment, there is optimism on the horizon. Defenseman Kaiden Guhle is accompanying the team on their four-game road trip, indicating that he may soon make a return to the lineup. His presence will undoubtedly strengthen the Canadiens’ defensive unit as he is regarded as their most well-rounded defenseman.

The question now becomes which player will be sidelined to accommodate Guhle's return. Originally, Jayden Struble would seem the likely candidate, but the analytical performance of the duo of Struble and Hutson has been impressive. Struble’s recent play might complicate decisions—especially since the pairing has consistently delivered over 20 minutes of ice time.

On the other hand, options like Arber Xhekaj and David Savard may come into play based on their recent performances and specific strengths. Coach Martin St. Louis’s preferences on lineup and positioning will be crucial moving forward as they navigate this tight playoff race.

As the Canadiens regroup and prepare for their next challenge, anticipation builds around Hutson's continued brilliance and Guhle’s impending comeback. Will they be able to rebound and solidify their playoff spot? Only time will tell!

Stay tuned as we monitor their journey and any potential shake-ups within the team!