Canadiens’ Lane to Laine Power Play: A Spin on Success

The ‘Lane to Laine’ combination has been a consistent force for the Montreal Canadiens’ power play this season, producing impressive results. But what exactly fuels this dynamic duo? It’s a discussion that led to a fascinating discovery, thanks to a conversation with Jack Roslovic.

The Initial Observation

Initially, Roslovic suggested that the righty-lefty pairing held a degree of mystique. However, the real key, it turns out, lies in the rotation of the puck. During a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Roslovic noted that a right-handed center’s shot benefited more from a left-handed pass, revealing a nuance often overlooked by casual observers. He cited Kevin Bieksa’s 2021 *Hockey Night in Canada* insights, explaining that shooting with the same hand as the pass creates a more effective one-timer.

Laine’s Preference for Spin

But the story took an unexpected turn. Forward Patty Laine, a right-handed shooter himself, revealed a preference for receiving passes with a clockwise spin – something that significantly enhances his ability to launch a successful one-timer. This revelation prompted a re-evaluation of the strategy, leading to a focus on generating that precise spin.

Hutson’s Role as Quarterback

“Lane can actually put the right-handed spin on it, which he does usually,” said Laine. “Actually, I haven’t noticed it before, but now that we usually work on it in practice, I can see that he’s putting right spin on it. Normal fans would never know that or never pick it up (that spin matters), but there’s actually a big difference. Some better (righty) shooters can probably shoot it (with lefty spin), but I kind of need that spin to be able to score.

Lane Hutson, the left-handed winger who’s been orchestrating these opportunities, deserves considerable credit. He’s quickly become Laine’s “best power-play quarterback,” according to the Jets alumnus. Hutson’s emphasis isn’t just on getting the puck to Laine; it’s on delivering it with the correct spin – a detail seemingly lost on many spectators.

Hutson’s Technique

Hutson explained that while he aims for a flat pass, occasionally the spin inadvertently becomes righty. “He can shoot it,” Hutson said, “but I’m not complaining if he’s been passing the puck to me.”

Laine’s Perspective on Spin Enhancement

Laine himself initially underestimated the importance of the spin. He suggested Hutson might be overstating his impact, saying, “Usually, before the game, I tell him to give me the puck. He’s a good kid, he’s learning quick. If he wants apples, just hand it over.” However, Laine acknowledged a growing awareness and a desire to refine the process. “No, we’ve talked about it, and we should work on it on the ice for him to shoot it as well,” he noted. “I think that would make him obviously a bigger threat that he can shoot it. The PK sometimes reacts a little different when you know the D can also shoot it, which he can.”

Looking Forward

Ultimately, it’s the consistent execution of these passes, particularly the strategic emphasis on puck spin, that’s fueling the Canadiens’ power-play success. It’s a detail that separates a good power play from a truly dominant one – and a testament to the insightful observations of both Hutson and Laine.

Did you know? Adding subtle spin to a pass can dramatically improve accuracy and effectiveness for right-handed shooters.

Call to Action: Share your thoughts on this fascinating power-play strategy in the comments below!