Pro Hockey Rumors
at CDT | by 7 Comments
Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine has a path to more minutes this season, after averaging a career-low 14:18 in ice time last season. Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes met with Laine to discuss areas he could focus growing in to earn a hardier role in the lineup, shares Sportsnet’s Eric Engels.
Laine finished the season with a hardy 20 goals in 52 games, but Montreal was also outscored 17-to-26 when Laine was on the ice at even-strength. Questions about Laine’s effort outside of the defensive zone have existed since his rookie season, but it’s hard not to imagine those are the attributes the Canadiens would like to see more. Finding an added step towards opponents in the defensive zone, and winning more battles in the dirty areas of the ice, would go a long way towards helping the 6-foot-4 Laine fit in with an otherwise undersized top-six. Laine reached the 30-goal mark in each of his first three seasons in the NHL, and could be a real X-factor in the Canadiens lineup should he take the necessary strides.
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SparkytheGoldenSeals
Patrik Laine is Montreal’s best forward, Period!
TheRickestRick
I’ve said stupid things on here
And that statement makes me look like a genius
SparkytheGoldenSeals
If Laine is healthy, He’ll lead Montreal in scoring this season.
30 Parks
The NHL season is already too long. Quantity does not make quality.
tiger9
Honest to God. Present the Cup in July….maybe August…pathetic
Doghockey
Yes, a couple additional games are going to stretch the season for months. Seems that math is not one of your stronger skills. Here is a possible solution for you: skip two games during the season and it will be like things never changed, and maybe it cuts down your misery a bit.
Gbear
Great, they’ll figure out this new LTIR thing as they go along. So much clarity.
And if front offices want more time between the end of the season and free agency, why don’t they push Bettman to resolve that issue?
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