Patrik Laine performed better than expected in his opening match. Urheilu’s expert Ismo Lehkonen believes that Montreal’s pressure will bring out the best in Lainei.
Finnish forward of the Montreal Canadiens Patrick Laine immediately made a splash in his comeback game and knocked the goal into the New York Islanders’ net.
Although Patrik Laine had played the last time almost a year ago, there were high expectations for him, especially in Montreal. Sports expert Ismo Lehkonen can see that Laine brought even more to the game than he expected.
– In my opinion, Laine brought more to the counter than I dared to expect, Lehkonen says and praises, among other things, the Finn’s timing.
According to Lehkonen, Laine played the match with good self-confidence and was able to finish off the goal to top it all off. He also brings up how Laine’s chain friends On Kirby Dach and With Juraj Slafkovsky there have been difficulties in the early season.
– I think he oxidized that chain quite well. It didn’t leak badly at five-on-five. Sure, one goal in the jacket, but it hurts in the game, Lehkonen said.
– Think now that it’s been almost a year without playing. It’s not easy to come back, especially under mega pressure like Montreal. I think he even performed brilliantly.
Patrik Laine’s return and Finland’s team for the Four Nations tournament, which will be released on Wednesday, are covered in the Ika änäri podcast at Areena. The new episode will be published on Thursday morning at 06:00.
The wave was fine
The expert was afraid that Laine would tire at some point, because the game minutes were big and the Finn even played one more than two-minute change with five on five.
– It would seem that he is in good shape.
Based on the opening game, Lehkonen can see that Laine will adapt well to Montreal’s style of play. The Finn can bring the puck up, create rhythm and calm down the game.
– He might give this young team confidence.
Heavy pressure
Lehkonen knows Montreal well, for example through the fact that his son Arthur played in the early years of his NHL career in the club. Lehkonen reminds us of the importance of success, because Laine is closely followed by a fanatical home crowd.
– Fortunately, that goal came. I know enough about Montreal and its media, especially the fan base, that they have been waiting for years for a quality, big goal scorer. It’s nice for Laine to get going.
On the other hand, Lehkonen believes that Laine also enjoys the attention he gets in Montreal.
– The attention puts the right pressure on him and it results in him being able to squeeze much more out of the game.
– Such love for the game Martin St. I said under coaching may pop up again. I’m really looking forward to the final season. I hope we see Patrik Laine vol 2.0.