‘We’re still far off, and we know it’: Canadiens’ Hutson on Eastern Conference Final loss

While their run to the Eastern Conference Final might’ve been fun and memorable, at times, the Montreal Canadiens didn’t seem to be in the same league as their opponent.

The Canadiens’ season was effectively ended on Friday night, as they were eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes, losing in five games, while the Hurricanes advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 20 years.

Making it into the final four of a postseason is nothing to sneeze at, but how Montreal lost will stick in the craw of the team for some time. When speaking to the media after the defeat, Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson noted that he and his team have a ways to go to contend for a championship.

“They played really well too, but not really sure why we couldn’t bring better,” Hutson said. “We’re still far off and we know it. I think that’s just instilled some more fuel for us next year.”

The Canadiens were certainly on the right track to start the series. After beating the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabers in a pair of rough seven-game series, Montreal grabbed a sizeable 6-2 win in Game 1 over a rested, some say rusty Hurricanes team. However, Carolina instilled its system and willpower over the next four games. They held the Habs to fewer than 20 shots in the next three games (even though Games 2 and 3 went to overtime) before pummeling them 6-1 in the clinching victory on Friday.

Hutson pointed out the Canes’ mental toughness and their ability to keep Montreal on its heels for the latter part of the series.

“I think it’s just mentality more than anything. It’s the most hockey we’ve played in a bit. So it’s fun and we’ve got to embrace it and have more of a killer mentality, I guess. But hopefully we put ourselves in this spot again go from there.”

The run to the conference final was the first time Montreal had made it to the semifinals since 2021, when they advanced to the final, ultimately losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hutson noted that the team enjoyed its ride through the postseason.

“Just how much fun it is winning with these guys. I can’t explain it, but when we were at our high points and winning, it’s some of the most fun I’ve had playing, so a fun group to be a part of.”

The Hurricanes now face the Vegas Golden Knights in the best-of-seven final, with both teams seeking their second championships.