Montrealers awoke on Friday, December 19, to unseasonably warm 10 C weather and rain washing away hopes of a white Christmas. They also awoke to find their beloved Canadiens sitting second in the NHL's Atlantic Division, just a single point out of first place.
A Testament to Depth in the Lineup
This strong positioning comes after a convincing 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night. The win was particularly impressive given the significant absences from the Habs' lineup. While Chicago missed star Connor Bedard, Montreal was without five regulars, including long-term injuries to key defencemen Kaiden Guhle and Mike Matheson, and forwards Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Patrik Laine.
The fact that the Canadiens have remained in contention with such gaping holes is a direct tribute to the organizational depth cultivated during their rebuild. As columnist Jack Todd noted, staying afloat in "Gary Bettman’s Parity Paradise" is no small feat under these circumstances.
The Rollercoaster of NHL Parity
The standings are a testament to the league's extreme competitive balance, especially in the Eastern Conference. Following a 4-1 loss to Philadelphia just two days prior, the Canadiens found themselves outside a playoff spot. One victory later, they were not only back in but knocking on the door of first place in the Atlantic.
The division remains incredibly tight. At the time of writing, the Detroit Red Wings led with 41 points, with Montreal and Boston tied at 40 (the Habs holding a game in hand). Even the last-place Buffalo Sabres were only seven points back with 34. This narrow gap exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the current NHL season, where a single win or loss can dramatically alter a team's postseason prospects.
The Lane Hutson Effect
For fans seeking consistency amidst the chaos, the emergence of rookie defenceman Lane Hutson has been a revelation. With Matheson injured, Hutson has assumed a larger role and thrived. He was the Canadiens' best player in the loss to Philadelphia and followed up with a three-assist performance against Chicago.
His playmaking has reached historic levels; his 62 assists in the 2025 calendar year have already shattered the previous Canadiens record of 57 set by J.C. Tremblay in 1971. Hutson's expanded role now includes penalty-killing duties, solidifying his status as a cornerstone for the franchise's future.
The win over Chicago was not without its tense moments, including two disallowed goals for the Canadiens after video review—a constant source of debate in the modern game. Yet, the team persevered, showcasing the resilience that has defined their season thus far.
As the weather in Montreal remains unpredictable, so too does the NHL playoff picture. For the Canadiens, their ability to "hang tough" despite significant injuries is the clearest sign yet that their rebuilding process is yielding a deeper, more competitive team capable of weathering any storm.
