The Montreal Canadiens have shocked the hockey world with their season. No one expected them to be hanging around the playoff conversation this late into the season, never mind looking like the frontrunners for the final playoff spot. But, they now hold a six point lead on the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers, and even with the Red Wings’ game in hand, it feels like a daunting task for other teams.

Tuesday will play a big role in what this playoff race looks like down the stretch, as the Canadiens host the Red Wings and look to put the nail in the coffin of that playoff spot. A win would give them eight points and Detroit only five games to make that comeback, so it would be all but over.

There’s been many reasons for the Canadiens’ success this season, but none have been more prevalent than the season that rookie defenseman Lane Hutson is having. The impact he’s had on the lineup has been a huge driving force to the Habs playoff chances, especially down the stretch.

Colby Cohen talked about what has made the Canadiens a playoff contender, including Hutson, on Daily Faceoff Live.

Colby Cohen: I like the way Montreal has been playing. I think their fanbase is fueling their engine, especially on home ice right now.

I think Lane Hutson is just getting better and better. This is a young defenseman who is actually taking over hockey games and not just offensively. Everybody talks about his points, watch how well he’s defending. Watch the reads he’s making, watch the plays he makes with his stick.

They’re getting goaltending. They’re just getting a little bit of everything. They’ve had that late game puck luck in the last couple of weeks, which you earn your puck luck.

You can watch the full episode here…

Failed to load video.