Cole Hutson gave the Capitals his best scouting report on shutting down his brother Lane during their first NHL meeting: don't watch the puck, watch his chest.
The advice was caught because Cole was mic'd up for the game, so fans heard his instructions to teammates live on the broadcast.
It's a simple tip, the kind that only comes from years of chasing your older brother around backyard rinks and family games.
Lane is one of the league's slipperiest puck carriers, and his hands can freeze a defender in place. The chest doesn't lie the way the stick does.
Did it work? Not entirely. Lane still scored a goal and added an assist for Montreal, while Cole picked up an assist of his own.
Washington got the last laugh with the win, so Cole can at least claim the scouting report helped where it mattered most.
Their parents were in the building to watch it all unfold, and they got quite a show from both sons.
Lane Hutson's Canadiens and Cole Hutson's Capitals start a family rivalry
Lane, 22, carries an $8,850,000 cap hit and came into the night with six points in six games. He's already one of Montreal's most important players.
Cole, 20, carries a $952,083 cap hit and had three points in six games. He's quickly earning a bigger role in Washington.
Sharing the secret was a great move. Nobody in that dressing room knows Lane's habits better, and handing over that intel to win a family showdown is exactly what a competitive brother does.
It's like a little brother finally telling his friends how to beat his older brother at video games. The secret was always there, he just needed a reason to share it.
-
The Canadiens host Buffalo on Saturday, while the Capitals host New Jersey that afternoon.
Lane will have heard about the tip by now. Next time these two meet, expect him to have a new move ready, and Cole to be watching his chest anyway.
Will Cole Hutson's tip help the Capitals stop Lane Hutson next time?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Dylan Larkin reportedly faces obstacle in Montreal trade talks due to his wife
