Cole Hutson showing skill, self-criticism despite young age

While just 20, Cole Hutson wasn’t hiding from the media on Thursday night after a game that left him frustrated.

“I'm just not playing well enough,” the young Washington Capitals defenseman with just 31 NHL games under his belt said. “Simple as that. I can make some plays offensively, but it doesn't matter when you're here making mistakes defensively, constantly.

“So, gotta be a little bit better.”

The young blueliner did show off his skill in the 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, picking up an assist - his 12th point on the year and 5th in the last 5 games.

Hutson leads all rookie defensemen with his dozen points, and is second overall in rookie scoring.

But also an early penalty led to a…