In sports, as in life, pressure reveals character. Some falter when the stakes rise, while others embrace the moment, thriving under the weight of expectation. Nowhere is this more evident than in the NHL’s stretch run and, most notably, the playoffs—where the game tightens, every shift matters, and legacies are forged.
These are the players who earn Conn Smythe nominations—the leaders who don’t just rely on skill but on sheer will, relentless drive, and an unshakable instinct to win.
Habs fans were fortunate to witness a team full of such players during the magical 2021 Stanley Cup run. Some were household names—Carey Price, Shea Weber—while others were unsung heroes stepping up when it mattered most. Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson, Corey Perry, Joel Armia, Eric Staal, Joel Edmundson, and Ben Chiarot all played pivotal roles in that Cinderella journey.
And then, there were the young guns, learning the ropes from battle-tested veterans—Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
Oh, Captain, My Captain—”Hold My Beer”
Fast forward to today, and only a handful of those warriors remain. But those who do? They’ve kicked into another gear, driving the Canadiens toward their first playoff berth since that unforgettable run.
Caufield, though in a bit of a goal-scoring lull, has stepped up his 200-foot game. Gallagher, after battling injuries and inconsistency, is playing some of the best hockey of his career.
But one man has taken the team on his shoulders—Captain Nick Suzuki.
Suzuki, once mentored by Weber (with whom he’s still in contact), has become the engine propelling this team forward. It’s no coincidence.
During the 4-Nations break, he met with GM Kent Hughes and made a simple request: don’t dismantle this team at the trade deadline. Hughes’ response? Prove it.
Suzuki’s answer? “Hold my beer.”
Since then, he’s been on an absolute tear. With 27 points in 18 games, he ranks fourth in NHL scoring over that span. He’s logged over 21 minutes per night, won 53.3% of his faceoffs, and found the back of the net 10 times.
The result? The Canadiens, seventh sat the time in the Wild Card race, now hold the final playoff spot—surging past Detroit, Columbus, Boston, and both New York teams (Rangers and Islanders) in the process.
Lane Hutson: “Hold My Beer” 2.0
Of course, no leader does it alone. Enter Lane Hutson—a rookie defying expectations, silencing doubters, and elevating the Canadiens to new heights.
Since the break, Hutson has taken his already impressive season to another level. With 21 points in 18 games, he’s the second-highest-scoring defenseman in the NHL during that stretch—just one point behind Cale Makar. The Holland, Michigan native is also a staggering plus-14 while averaging over 23 minutes per game.
And don’t mistake him for just an offensive spark plug. Those watching Canadiens games know his defensive game might be even more impressive. Much like his captain, Hutson is stepping up when it matters most.
When Hughes challenged his team to prove they deserved to stay intact, Hutson seemingly smirked and said, “Hold my beer.”
The Future: “Hold My Molson”
Rebuilding isn’t just about drafting talent—it’s about developing the right kind of players. Some scoffed when former GM Marc Bergevin emphasized “character,” but now, Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes echo that same philosophy.
This isn’t about comparing past and present management. It’s about recognizing that the ability to rise to the occasion, to battle through adversity, is a key trait of a winning team.
Fortunately for the Canadiens, they have those players. And there are more coming.
The league is starting to take notice—the Canadiens won’t just be competitive. Before long, they’ll be feared.
And to the rest of the NHL? Montreal has one final message: “Hold my Molson.” And that is sure to make team owner and President Geoff Molson smile.
