Montreal Canadiens loss to CBJ conceals real story: Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky were DOMINANT

Montreal Canadiens lose in overtime to Columbus, but the underlying numbers tell a winning-caliber story. Should fans celebrate a loss that showed dominant 5-on-5 play? We break down why the Canadiens' performance against the Blue Jackets represents real progress despite the final score. The analysis covers Juraj Slafkovsky's physical dominance after his line change, Lane Hutson's exceptional defensive performance that doubled his teammates' advanced metrics, and Mike Matheson's renewed excellence alongside Noah Dobson. Key discussions include why the team controlled 70% of expected goals at 5-on-5, the failed Zach Bolduc experiment on the top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, and necessary roster adjustments including potential waiver claim John Beecher. The hosts examine Jakub Dobes' goaltending, Ivan Demidov's chemistry with Slafkovsky, and why focusing on process metrics matters more than results for a developing playoff contender. Discover why the advanced stats reveal a completely different game than the scoreboard showed. 0:00 Intro 1:06 Positive reaction to overtime loss 3:50 Canadiens controlled play at 5-on-5 7:36 Evaluating Dobes' solid goaltending performance 10:11 Slafkovsky and Hutson shine despite result 13:38 Slafkovsky drives second line effectively 17:21 Lane Hutson's dominant five-game score performance 20:03 Hutson's positioning and defensive instincts 24:11 John Beecher waiver claim possibility 26:16 Top line struggles and lineup adjustments 29:01 Improved offensive zone cycle game Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rugiet Visit https://rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get 15% off your first order. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. Monarch Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.