Hutson's three-point night leads Canadiens to 5-3 win over Utah State – The Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

On Tuesday night, we saw two teams playing in opposite directions. The Montreal Canadiens have won nine of their last 12 games and will travel to Salt Lake City to face Utah Hockey Club, which has lost nine of their last 11 games.

game review

Almost immediately after puck drop, the Canadiens found themselves five-on-three, killing two penalties. Utah took advantage of a two-man advantage, scoring first two minutes into the game when Josh Doan hit a shot off the backboard of Sam Montembeault.

The Canadiens were quick to respond. After wiping out the remaining penalty, Mike Matheson streaked down the middle of the ice, splitting two Utah defensemen and beating Karel Vejmelka , tied the score with a partial breakthrough.

How about Mike Matheson's wheels? 💨 pic.twitter.com/9AK0i20vkG

— NHL (@NHL) January 15, 2025

Utah State regained the lead on Nick Bjugstad's goal with less than a minute left in the first period. This ended the first period of Utah rule. They defeated the Canadiens 14-3. Utah had 11 more scoring chances and eight more high-danger plays than the Canadiens, and won the expected goals-against margin 2.74 to 0.29 (via Natural Stat Trick).

The Canadiens would find their footing in the second period. Patrik Laine tied the game 10 minutes into the game with his first five-on-five goal of the season. The Canadiens took a 3-2 lead on a late goal with a minute and a half left in the second period. The goal was scored by Kirby Dach, who stripped Vejmelka of his clothes on a brilliant play and fed a pass from Lane Hutson into the Utah penalty area. .

What a powerful move Kirby Dach made! 💪 pic.twitter.com/fcwwLvduww

— NHL (@NHL) January 15, 2025

After some early pressure in the third quarter, Utah tied the game four minutes into the final frame. Logan Cooley scored, with assists from Nick Schmaltz and Clayton Keller, both of whom received their second assists of the game. That lead didn't last long as the Canadiens regained the lead on a goal from Cole Caufield and another great pass from Hutson, who got his first of the night. ’s third assist.

Despite trailing, Utah State continued to dominate scoring opportunities in the third quarter. However, Dach scored his second goal for the Canadiens, beating Wimerka cleanly from long range. The goal ultimately iced the game, with the Canadiens winning 5-3.

The Canadiens have now won 10 of their last 13 games and are inching closer to the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot, while Utah has now lost nine of its previous 11 games and is inching closer to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Begin to gradually withdraw from the competition.