Patrik Laine was sidelined for the Columbus match after the opening set. The reason was not immediately disclosed.
Patrik Laine was back in Columbus wearing a Canadiens bunt for the first time. PDO
Patrik Laine returned for the first time to Columbus, the city where he played for about three and a half seasons. The game was preceded by the Tampere’s appearance in the media. The winger didn’t really praise the Blue Jackets’ performance in the interview.
– It felt like the same thing was done there year after year. I was tired of losing and giving up, and already in December to focus on the new season. I don’t like that. It’s frustrating for a player when you want to win and some others don’t.
– They are too satisfied with where they are. It didn’t really work for me, Laine told The Athletic.
The audience in Columbus had read Laine’s comments. The Tampere native was booed in the opening set practically every time he touched the puck.
The Blue Jackets players also grilled the Finn, who was at odds with, among others, Dante Fabbro.
– This is probably Laine’s most difficult game after his return, said TSN’s expert, former NHL player Carlo Colaiacovo.
Stars for Lainee
The Canadiens came into the game on a three-game winning streak. Lainea played a big role in his team’s victories last week, as the man hit five lockers in three games and was chosen as the NHL’s three-star of the week.
Laine was sidelined after the opening set, probably due to an injury. More detailed information about the man’s condition was not recently given.
The Tampere native was traded from Columbus to Montreal in the summer. The player himself requested the transfer.
The man has scored 8+1 points in nine matches.