Seldom does a team get the opportunity to score 40 goals, but the Montreal Canadiens did, although Patrik Laine hasn't in a while, he has the potential.
Laine is still adjusting to being back playing hockey after so much time off, but he has shown plenty of good things for the Habs. He seems to love Montreal and the city has welcomed him with open arms, serenading him. The city is rallying behind Laine, showing appreciation for what he has dealt with.
With his renewed love for the game, I can't imagine a better situation for Laine to be in to get back to the top of his game. The city is passionate, the team is young and pushing through the rebuild and they need you. But not only do they need a guy like Laine, the fans and organization are so appreciative and welcoming to the big Finn.
Patrik Laine has found his home@EricEngels: "If this leads to Patrik Laine reinvesting himself into this game to prove that he is a hockey player and not just a guy who plays hockey, that would be a grand slam for the Canadiens"#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com/R1Aqz81dxj
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) December 11, 2024
If Laine can take on somewhat of a veteran leadership role with the Canadiens, the team would likely only benefit from what the move will do for Laine. Obviously he knows how to create offense, score goals and play the game at a high level. But the confidence from an increased role could really allow him to find another level.
As Engels put it, if Laine can elevate his game and prove he isn't just a guy who plays hockey, he could be a 'grand slam' for the Habs. The Habs need to keep improving all around, but they don't have a guy like Laine coming through the wings. What I mean by that is a six-foot-four, right-shooting sniper, whose offensive mind is elite.
With Laine, the Habs have two elite goalscorers and if he sticks around, the offence gets a huge boost toward becoming contenders. Once the goaltending and defence are closer to what they will resemble in the future, I think the team should be great. Laine added into that mix should be enough to make the Habs a bona fide playoff team.
Power play should boost Laine
Laine has scored three goals through five games with the Canadiens on the power play, but brushed it off when asked about it. He just wants to win games, but you have to think that creating on the power play is a boost for his confidence. When it starts to translate more to five-on-five, the Canadiens goal total should increase.
The big save and outstanding defensive plays are extremely important, but not far behind that is scoring big goals. Laine does that and is probably one of the best offensive players that the Canadiens have employed since Alex Kovalev. Montreal deserves to have guys that are so talented, and Laine deserves a chance to prove that he is still an elite goalscorer.