Patrik Laine's Montreal Mess: A Playoff Puzzle
Okay, let's talk about Patrik Laine in Montreal. It’s been a rollercoaster, hasn't it? One minute he's blasting power-play goals that make the crowd go wild, the next he's… well, not doing much of anything. His move to the Habs has been a mixed bag of highlights and serious head-scratchers, especially when the playoffs roll around.
A Seriously Slow Start to the Playoffs
He put up 20 goals in 52 regular season games, but only 3 of those were at even strength. Three. That’s a huge red flag, right? It shows a serious problem when the game’s actually happening at 5-on-5. And his performance in the first two playoff games against the Capitals? Let's just say it wasn't pretty. In Game 2, he got benched for the entire third period. Coach Martin St. Louis said it was a strategic move, but honestly, who saw that coming? It kinda felt like watching a slow-motion trainwreck.
Analyst Kevin Bieksa called it an "easy choice" to keep Laine on the bench. Ouch. Bieksa's comments pretty much summed up what a lot of fans were thinking. It's clear: the high-priced winger needs to step up.
The Critics Aren't Holding Back
Mathias Brunet of BPM Sports didn't pull any punches, calling Laine's play "pathétique" and "nonchalant." Strong words, and they reflect the frustration a lot of Habs fans are feeling. Yes, the power-play goals are amazing, but the lack of engagement at even strength – especially in crucial moments – is a huge concern. In the playoffs, every single shift matters, and Laine's defensive effort (or lack thereof) is letting the team down.
That $8.7 Million Question
Let's not forget that Laine's making $8.7 million a year. That’s a lot of money. The Canadiens are expecting a lot more, especially in the playoffs. They need him to contribute at even strength, to show up in those critical moments. His recent 11-game stretch with only one goal? That’s not exactly inspiring confidence.
The question is: can he turn things around? Can he find that offensive spark and become the all-around player they paid for? Because right now, there are some serious doubts.
What's Next for Laine (and the Habs)?
The Canadiens are at a crossroads. Laine’s performance, or lack thereof, will seriously affect their playoff chances. The pressure is on. These next few games are going to be huge in determining whether he can meet the expectations that come with his hefty price tag. Will he answer the call? Only time will tell.
