The Patrik Laine phenomenon is in full effect in Montreal. He’s scored three goals in four games with the Habs and has become an instant fan favourite. TSN Hockey analyst Mike Johnson joins Domino’s That’s Hockey to discuss the buzz around Laine and whether or not his hot start with the Canadiens is sustainable.
@Montreal Canadiens
8 Comments
He’s better than Matthews.
i sure would like to see Laiine with Susiki and cofeild
Laine is no Kovalev (life long fan, and iym old)… Lets see what happens when Demidov comes…
Ok maybe the flair off ice sure but Kovalev and Laine's games have literally nothing in common 😅
First and foremost, I am glad to see Laine back in a positive frame of mind and performing well. His specialty is as a shooter and he scores nearly half of his goals on the PP. This means less PP shots and fewer PP goals for Caufield (who scores about a third of his goals on the PP)–it's just the law of large numbers. Montreal scored at 17% on the PP last year. If they score at 20% this year(They haven't in the last 5 seasons) and get more power play chances, they could score up to 25 more power play goals. This is meaningful. The flip side is that neither of Caufield or Laine kill penalties or are good defensively at even strength. You can't put them on the same line and there is only one top level center on the team in Suzuki. A reinvigorated Laine helps. A better blueline with Guhle and Hutson also helps, but no centers means no joy.
Another Reeeeeetoddid take from the crew at TSN. Imagine putting Matthews in the title where Laine is. Laine was picked right after him in the draft. Laine didn't forget how to play hockey all of a sudden…It's literally that dumb of a question…
He arrived, scored some goals, and they won games! That's why they like him!
Mike Johnson is spot on