The Carolina Hurricanes earned an important win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Montreal Canadiens. The overtime winner came after Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson missed a pass. After the game, Hutson took full blame for the loss. Now, fans are praising his honesty.
Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final in Montreal did not go as planned for the host Canadiens.
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Svechnikov overtime winner
After tying the game twice, the Canadiens lost 3-2 after a goal from Andrei Svechnikov 14 minutes into overtime. The Hurricanes are now 5-0 in overtime games this postseason.
“I just really think it’s the mentality of the team. We love tight games, and we love staying above them, and we don’t give them a lot of chances. I think that’s why we won it in overtime,” game-winner Svechnikov told reporters after the game.
Lane Hutson postgame interview
Hutson, who scored the 2-2 goal, missed a pass entering the neutral zone in overtime. The turnover eventually led to the Hurricanes’ game-winning goal. After the game, Hutson took full blame for the loss.
“It would be nice to be up 2-1, but we’re not because of me, so it’s frustrating. We just gotta battle and battle to the end,” Hutson told reporters after the game.
Praised by fans
Now, fans are praising Hutson, who has 15 points in 17 playoff games, for the way he handled the loss. Many are also saying he should not be so hard on himself.
“Jesus. Lane, we’re probably only here because of you. Watching games this season, I’ve found myself wondering if we’d be anywhere close to the playoffs without him driving plays. Even with our offensive talent, I think we’d be mid-table without him,” one fan wrote on X.
“Last time Lane blamed himself, he came back strong, and the Habs won the next one. Disappointing, yes, but it’s 2-1. It’s not over,” another fan wrote.
“Says a dude that actually played his heart out, scored, created chances, and was good for most of the game. Made an awful play at the end. Feel terrible for him. And for Dobes,” a third fan wrote.
Game 4 will be played on Wednesday.
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