There is a lot of pressure on the Montreal Canadiens to string wins together, to get the group progressing forward.
Montreal's top players are hard on themselves, and they expect the absolute highest level out of themselves and their teammates. Generally, when a player is scoring goals, it is considered a success, but Patrik Laine has a different opinion. Laine has been brilliant on the power play, amongst the best shooters in the league.
His dynamism has been on full display, and the power he gets on his shots beats even the best-positioned goalies. But the foundational parts of Laine's game haven't been there at 5-on-5. It's a tall task to ask Laine to do much with a struggling Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach.
Brendan Gallagher today on Patrik Laine:
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 18, 2024
“He’s dynamic, he’s exciting. He puts the puck in the net. He gives the fans a reason to cheer.”
“He’s a special talent, a special player obviously. We’ve gotten the chance to know him, he’s fit into our room really well. You just wanna… pic.twitter.com/kSYIAPNXJ7
Laine isn't distraught like he seemed before joining the Canadiens, but he is not hiding that he wants to contribute more to the team. Three power-play goals, all from the same spot; while it can be seen as lazy goals, Laine's shot is ridiculous. I can understand Laine not being pleased with his game, that is something that the top players do (get complacent).
The bottom line is, that Laine, isn't going to be okay with mediocrity; if that's what he deems his level of play lately. And challenging himself to get back to a level where he can dominate in other areas, will be huge for the Habs. Likewise, Laine's confidence will only rise; as he makes plays all over the ice.
Could Kirby Dach lean on Laine?
It still hasn't gone the way that Kirby Dach hoped the 2024-2025 season would go, despite him doing everything that he can to get back to a high level. Dach has shown some flare with the Canadiens in the past, and if he can play at that level again, the Habs have their second-line centre role shored up. However, it is going to take some time for Dach to get there, and there is plenty of pressure involved.
Somebody who isn't a stranger to pressure is Laine, who has struggled on the ice and off the ice. His mental health has been a topic that he's been open about, which makes him experienced in battle things. It isn't at the same level of severity, but Laine could be a huge help for Dach to lean on for advice.
Even if Dach doesn't develop into the second line centre, him playing at his best is integral. The Habs need guys who are going to produce and make the team better. Whatever Dach's niche ends up being, the Habs are going to need him to show up consistently and help the team.