Patrik Laine wowed the crowd already in his first match in a Montreal shirt. He reminded us to be patient.
Patrick Laine showed his skills to Montreal Canadiens supporters for the first time last night Finnish time, when the team defeated Philadelphia Flyers 5-0 in a practice match.
Laine played together By Kirby Dasch and by Alex Newhook with. The chain was not yet effective, but Laine fired five times.
Laine had played last time in December. He flashed a few times in the match, including in the opening set by sailing through the entire court and past two players. The performance got a loud reaction from the home crowd.
Perhaps Lainee’s best spot was seen in the second period, when Newhook passed Lainee crosswise to the corner of the goal. Only the Flyers guard by Calvin Petersen a huge stretch took the goal from the Finn.
After the match, a large group of journalists surrounded Laine in the Montreal dressing room, and the Finn was speechless.
– You didn’t find anyone else? There are 20 others here, Laine joked with a smile and made the reporters laugh.
The audience was captivated
The Finn was asked right at the start about his thoughts on the opening set and the loud reaction of the home crowd.
– It was great. I couldn’t do anything with the puck, but that was great to hear. Next time, I’ll try to do something with the puck after it (transportation), Laine said.
Laine admitted she still has work to do with her skating, having only skated three times in the summer due to her surgery before arriving in Montreal. The Finn was a little disappointed with his performance, but understood that he had played for the first time in a long time.
– I have to be patient. It’s annoying that I got so many places and didn’t score. However, everyone says and I have to tell myself that this is a long process.
Kapanen winced
The head coach Martin St. Louis described Laine as getting to the puck a lot in dangerous places. He also liked the Finn’s solutions during the match.
Participated in the Montreal training camp team Oliver Kapanen also appeared in favor. The Finn, who was chosen as the second star, was involved in initiating two of Montreal’s goals.
It was seen at the goal of Philadelphia Eetu Mäkiniemi, who, however, does not have a contract for next season. Mäkiniemi, who is applying for a place on a trial period, played about half of the match and made 13 saves. He only conceded one goal behind his back.