Habs Headlines: Lane Hutson inspired by the play of Duncan Keith

redit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Montreal Canadiens news and notes Patrik Laine says he’s happy to be out of Columbus where the team was checked out of the season by December. [La Presse] Zach Werenski says Laine’s comments served as motivation for last night’s win. [Sportsnet] Martin St-Louis had no update on Laine after the player left last night’s game at the conclusion of the first period. [Journal de Montreal] Laine and Lane Hutson are becoming one of the most unstoppable duos on the power play. [RDS] Laine’s five power-play goals last week earned him the honour of the NHL’s third star. [Canadiens.com] Growing up a Chicago Blackhawks fan, Hutson’s game was heavily influenced by the play of Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane. [TVA Sports] Hutson’s teammates may only just now be starting to finish off his passes, but he’s finding a lot more options to make creative plays with the smartest players he’s shared the ice with in his hockey career. [The Athletic] Around the league and elsewhere Sidney Crosby tied Mario Lemieux for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ franchise mark in assists. [ESPN] Getting reimbursed for an Uber fare after doing an interview with local media: something Utah HC players are enjoying this season that they never had with Alex Meruelo’s Arizona Coyotes. [The Athletic] The top goalies by high-danger save percentage, and how they stop the most difficult shots. [The Athletic] David Pastrnak sustained an upper-body injury in yesterday’s win over the Washington Capitals. [Sportsnet] Edmonton signed winger Connor Clattenburg to his ELC. [TSN] The top quality John Vanbiesbrouck is looking for from Team USA at the World Juniors? Relentlessness. [NHL.com] Photos and videos of NHL players getting into the Christmas spirit. [NHL.com] Like The Grinch, the New York Rangers need “more heart” to stop their slide. [NHL.com] Perhaps taking Kaapo Kakko’s words to heart, Peter Laviolette scratched Chris Kreider from the lineup on Monday. [TSN] The Buffalo Sabres beat the New York Islanders 7-1, and their 13-game losing streak is over. [NHL.com]