The Montreal Canadiens kicked off their preseason on Monday night at the Bell Centre with a convincing 5-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Although a goal that should have counted was incorrectly disallowed during a penalty kill, the game still provided an entertaining start for fans in Montreal.
More significant than the scoreline was the performance of some young players, particularly Oliver Kapanen, who truly stood out. He was arguably the most impressive forward on the ice, scoring two points and posing a scoring threat on nearly every shift. His solid performance could be partly attributed to his excellent conditioning from preseason play in the SHL, but his intelligence on the ice was equally noteworthy. He effectively delayed plays after entering the offensive zone and found teammates in traffic to create scoring opportunities.
While it’s just one preseason game, Kapanen certainly bolstered his chances of making the roster. He looked ready to contribute from day one, making it clear that sending him back to Sweden would be a tough decision. He’s close to making the team, and it won’t be long before he gets the opportunity he seeks.
If Kapanen is close to the lineup, Lane Hutson has already made a strong impression. He registered one assist but could have had many more given the chances he created. His play mirrored that of the rookie showcase, showcasing him as the most offensively skilled defenseman on the ice.
Hutson also performed well alongside veteran David Savard, who will be on the opening night roster. If this game was Hutson’s audition for a spot alongside Savard, it was a promising start. Even seasoned forwards were deferring to him with the puck, indicating that his teammates are confident in his abilities.
The atmosphere at the Bell Centre shifts when Hutson has the puck, as fans eagerly anticipate his contributions. At this point, it’s hard to imagine an opening night lineup without him.
For a deeper dive, click the play button below to listen to the full Bottom Six Minutes, also available on various podcast platforms. We’ll be back soon after another group of Canadiens hopefuls face the New Jersey Devils.
