The Canadiens’ Defensive Duo: Different Paths, Same Goal
When you look at Montreal’s defence this season, two names pop first: Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson. Both top-pair guys. But they’re almost nothing alike. And that’s why they work. One drives. One steadies. Together, they make the blue line hum.
Lane Hutson: The Canadiens’ Solid Playmaker
Lane Hutson’s numbers are flashy, but they don’t tell the whole story. Five goals, thirty assists in 37 games. That’s impressive. But what really stands out is how he does it. He’s not just firing pucks toward the net. He’s moving the pieces, setting up plays before anyone else sees them. He was named the NHL’s top rookie last season, and he hasn’t stopped producing.
Sixty-three shots, under eight percent shooting. He’s not chasing points, but he’s making good passes, retrieving the puck, and timing his entries. He plays over 23 minutes a night. On the power play, he’s shaping possession, not riding it. He’s the kind of player who sees where the play is going before it even gets there.
Noah Dobson: The Canadiens’ Steady Hand
Noah Dobson looks quieter on paper. He’s only put up six goals and seventeen assists. But don’t be fooled. He’s the guy keeping it all together. He’s a structure-first and offence-second sort of player. He joins the rush only when it’s safe. Playing over 22 minutes a night, the Canadiens count on him to handle matchups and read the game. His limited power-play time isn’t about not having the skill. It’s about his role. Unlike Hutson, he’s managing chaos, not creating it.
Why Hutson and Dobson Work So Well Together
Put Hutson and Dobson side by side, and you see the contrast. Hutson bends the structure. Dobson holds it. One takes risks, one absorbs them. One sparks offence, one anchors the team. And that’s the magic. Because while one pushes forward, the other keeps the gaps covered. They balance each other perfectly.
Watching them play on the same team together is like seeing two halves of a whole. They have different styles but the same mission. Montreal’s blue line works because both are doing exactly what they’re best at.