Player Discussion Patrik Laine: ruining the tank

[Shred]

Those 7 shots on goal was all because of the pent-up rage that Laine feels for Winnipeg. Next game is against Buffalo and Laine has historically been terrible against Buffalo, expect the usual 1-2 shots on goal and 0+0...

Imagine reading this post on Tuesday

 

[HuGort]

We can forget about Schafer or Martone. Focus on Mrtka around 10 in draft.

 

[GHJimmy]

Laine's our guy, hard to believe that sometimes

 

[ReHabs]

Makes no sense for the Media and Fans to get all frustrated when 99% of us didn't think we would make the playoffs. In fact, I rather be bottom 5 than have a pick from 12-15.

Just because you’d prefer to see a crap season doesn’t mean the “Media and Fans” were wrong for wanting to see progress even if it fell short of a playoff appearance.

The draft pick rank is a secondary concern for a lot of people including me. Progress would’ve meant more, so naturally it’s disappointing to not see any progress among many of the young players.

Laine’s presence is a bit of a game-changer because his shot is so lethal it’ll open up space as opponents try to manage their risks. It goes to show that we do need more elite talent but we also need our current players to be more dangerous and dynamic too, to take advantage of this opened up opportunity.

I see Slafkvosky benefiting a lot due to his pass-first instincts— he will either start to shoot more or he’ll dish the puck to Laine. All options are good.

 

[Kimota]

Was that before or after you knew Laine was 26?

Come on, the guy cannot be 26. He looks 62 minimum.

 

[The Great Weal]

Gotta like how he said he had an average game outside the PP.

 

[Marioesque]

Gotta like how he said he had an average game outside the PP.

He wasn't wrong. He knows he can create more offense 5 on 5. But realistically for that he would need to play in the 1st to have more impact. The 2nd line isn't going to get the best out of him in it's current form.

He did give Newhook a 1 on 1 with the goalie and they created that post shot that looked like goal, so it was alright, but he knows he can do a lot more with players who can create more space and time for him, and also finish his plays. Instead of being the only offensively creative player in his line.

 

[Jack Spider]

You can kinda see that Laine is the most talented player on the team and how a true 2nd overall can play. He's a sniper. It's basic asf. Yet our 1st overall and Kirby is so far from this guy. Just a sniper.

 

[Zalos]

Laine is very hot and cold. He's hot right now. Be prepared for when he's not.

Also, the tank isn't being ruined. They'll still finish in the bottom five. There's no way Nashville, Detroit, and Buffalo stay down here with us.

 

[BB88]

Laine is very hot and cold. He's hot right now. Be prepared for when he's not.

Also, the tank isn't being ruined. They'll still finish in the bottom five. There's no way Nashville, Detroit, and Buffalo stay down here with us.

One thing that’s key to help him become a more consistent player is upgrading that 2C position

He never had a legit C to play with in Columbus and Dach has to be the worst 2C in the league this season

Get someone to help drive the play more and Laine be the ultimate complimentary player

Anyways upgrading that C group is a must for Montreal, that’s the biggest thing holding them back

 

[DoingItCoolKiwi]

Laine is very hot and cold. He's hot right now. Be prepared for when he's not.

The intense mental work he has gone through the past year could actually really help with that. We'll see, but if he stays physically healthy, I think there's a good chance we'll see a more consistent version of Laine than ever before.

 

[Fuonki]

We can forget about Schafer or Martone. Focus on Mrtka around 10 in draft.

Laine playing 16 minutes a night is absolutely perfect for the tank. One of the worst 5v5 players in the league at the moment (Habs have been outshot 49-22 and outscored 5 to 1 while he's on the ice) but 6 pp goals in 7 games keeps us all entertained and less gloomy. Perfect player for the team at this moment in time