Canadiens’ Patrik Laine is thriving in the Montreal spotlight
Patrik Laine’s arrival to Montreal started on a rocky foot when he suffered a knee injury during the preseason that took him out for two months.
It was a big blow for the Tampere, Finland native, who missed the final 51 games of the season last year in a season riddled with injuries and things on the mental health front. A trade to the Canadiens was to help get him a fresh start and potentially become a 40-goal scorer again.
Ever since returning from a 24-game absence this year, Laine has been on fire. He has six goals and seven points in seven games this year, highlighted by a three-goal performance against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. There’s still room for him to improve and become a more effective contributor, but his scoring touch has been a big boost for everyone involved.
Tyler Yaremchuk and Frank Seravalli chatted about Laine’s recent play on Wednesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff Live:
Tyler Yaremchuk: “Last night, Patrik Laine had three goals on the evening. He’s up to six now in seven games. That was vintage Patrik Laine. Are you buying that 40-goal Patrik Laine is actually back? Or is this just a little heater?”
Frank Seravalli: “No, I am buying it. And I love that he was critical of his own game saying he’s played millions of games better than the one that he played last night. Sometimes they just go in. I think that’s actually a really healthy approach. And also, he just seems engaged. He seems like he’s comfortable again and excited by that environment in Montreal and the support they provide their players, particularly high-end guys like Laine.
“It’s been really good to see that connection because I think many wondered, ‘Would he be able to establish that? What would it be like with him in a white-hot market again?’ Sometimes, there can be pressure there for a guy who had been through so much. And I am buying what’s happening there.”
Tyler Yaremchuk: “He’s Still only 26 years old. It’s crazy because he’s been in the league for about eight seasons, but he’s still pretty young, generally speaking.”
For the full episode, click below: