Former Winnipeg Jets 2016 second overall pick Patrik Laine returns for the first time as a member of the Montreal Canadiens.
The Jets’ meeting with the Canadiens is the first of two; the second will be played on January 28, just over a month from now. The Jets enter today’s game with a one-point lead over the Minnesota Wild for the Central Division, but the Jets have two games remaining.
The Canadiens are at the opposite end of the standings, sitting last in the Atlantic Division and 29th in the NHL. The Canadiens have been bad in every facet of the game, ranking 24th in goals scored per game, 31st in goals allowed per game, and have the worst goal difference of all 32 teams (-29).
Despite many things going wrong for the Canadiens, a few bright spots have continued to shine and emerge. Nick Suzuki has continued to provide the franchise with strong center play, Cole Caufield is among the top 10 in goals scored, Samuel Montembeault was on Team Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster and Laine has scored three goals in his first five games .
All three of Laine’s goals so far have come on power plays, but the Canadiens have thus far found a way to get him the puck in goal-scoring areas, something he needs to be successful in the NHL. The 26-year-old struggled with injuries and mental health issues after leaving the Jets but hopes he has found a new home to revive his career.
With all the expected emotions, the Jets know they have to stay focused and get the two points. They are 4-5-1 in their last ten games and haven’t played consistent hockey. They were thoroughly outplayed against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, and if it wasn’t for Connor Hellebuyck, they wouldn’t have gotten a point against them.
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