The Montreal Canadiens travel to Washington for a game shaped by a rare family storyline. At 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Lane Hutson and Cole Hutson are expected to become opponents for the first time in their hockey careers.
The matchup is unusual for another reason: the brothers have never faced one another at any level, not even before reaching the NHL. Their first head-to-head meeting will take place on the league’s biggest stage, with Lane wearing Montreal’s colors and Cole representing the Capitals.
Lane Hutson Arrives After a Two-Point Night
Lane enters the game with plenty of confidence after producing a goal and an assist in Montreal’s 4-3 shootout win over Buffalo on Tuesday. His performance helped the Canadiens withstand a late Sabres rally and leave with two points.
The 22-year-old defenseman opened his season with a power-play goal, then created another scoring opportunity by setting up Josh Anderson late in the second period. His ability to carry the puck, draw defenders and find passing lanes remains one of Montreal’s biggest offensive advantages.
Cole Caufield also collected a goal and an assist in the victory, while Zachary Bolduc scored the decisive shootout goal for the second consecutive game. The Canadiens now head to Washington with momentum, although they must also manage the effects of playing on consecutive nights.
A First Meeting With Personal Meaning
Lane and Cole are close, and their usual postgame conversations will take on a different tone after this contest. Instead of exchanging observations as teammates or family members, they will spend the game trying to limit each other’s impact.
Lane has already established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic young defensemen. He won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2024-25 and has become a central part of Montreal’s transition game and power play.
Cole, 20, is beginning to build his own path with Washington. Playing against his older brother at home gives him a memorable opportunity, but the family connection will disappear once the puck is dropped. For at least 60 minutes, each player will be focused on winning rather than sharing advice.
Montreal Must Recover Quickly
The emotional angle may dominate the pregame conversation, but the Canadiens face a demanding hockey challenge. Tuesday’s victory over Buffalo required a comeback response of its own after Montreal surrendered a 3-1 advantage in the third period before winning in the shootout.
That sequence revealed a problem the team cannot repeat against Washington. The Canadiens need sharper puck management, cleaner decisions through the neutral zone and greater composure when protecting a lead.
Overtime and a shootout also added extra work to an already busy schedule. Montreal will need an efficient start, disciplined defensive coverage and strong energy management if the game remains close into the final period.
Washington Brings Its Own Superstar Threat
The Hutson brothers provide the most personal storyline, but the Capitals have a major attraction of their own in Alex Ovechkin. The veteran forward continues to command attention every time he takes the ice, especially around the offensive zone.
Ovechkin’s presence will test Montreal’s young defensive group. The Canadiens cannot afford to lose track of him near the slot or allow Washington extended possession below the circles.
Washington also gives Montreal a different type of challenge from Buffalo. The Canadiens will have to defend against established scoring threats while handling Cole Hutson’s movement and decision-making from the blue line.
Players Who Could Decide the Game
Lane Hutson is coming off one of his most influential performances of the season and will be expected to drive play again from defense. His ability to create offense may be especially valuable if Montreal struggles to generate chances at even strength.
Caufield remains one of the Canadiens’ most dangerous finishers. His scoring touch, combined with Nick Suzuki’s playmaking, gives Montreal a reliable route to offense when the team can establish possession in the attacking zone.
Bolduc has also become a timely contributor after scoring the shootout winner in back-to-back Montreal victories. His recent results have added another layer to the Canadiens’ attack.
For Washington, Cole Hutson will draw attention simply because of the family connection, while Ovechkin remains the player Montreal must monitor on every shift.
What the First Brother-versus-Brother Game Means
The individual duel between Lane and Cole will not determine the result by itself, but their shared shifts should provide some of the night’s most memorable moments. Lane brings greater NHL experience, while Cole has home ice and the support of the Capitals crowd.
Both brothers will likely try to keep emotions under control. The game may produce a quick exchange, a contested puck battle or a moment when one creates a chance directly against the other. Even routine plays will carry extra significance because this is their first time appearing on opposite sides.
Montreal’s objective is straightforward: avoid another late collapse, capitalize on its power-play opportunities and give its best scorers room to work. Washington will look to use its home-ice advantage and force the Canadiens to defend for long stretches.
When the puck drops, the Hutson family will not need to choose between two games. For the first time, Lane and Cole will be part of the same NHL contest—and on opposing benches.
