That Was Fast
The absolute SNIPE show that is Patrik Laine seems to be fitting in nicely in Columbus
Almost two weeks ago to the day, Patrik Laine was benched by Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella. This was particularly alarming for a couple of reasons 1. this was only Laine's fourth game as a Blue Jacket, having just been traded to Columbus from Winnipeg, and 2. there was good reason for the benching, at least in some folks' eyes, as Laine's lack of effort in a key moment in that particular game led to a goal for the opposition.
Immediately, rumors began to swirl, as is tradition. Laine was already butting heads with the coaching staff, and, given he is a restricted free agent this season, already had one foot out the door of his new locker room. He was as good as gone, just passing the time until he could move on to a bigger and better franchise.
Fifteen days after the benching, Laine has looked far more like the former No. 2 overall pick than a guy who wants out of Columbus. He's had seven points in six games, including three on Tuesday night, when he found the back of the net twice and had one assist. These were no run-of-the-mill goals either, these were a pair of superstar-type goals. Check out this slapper that found the top right shelf:
Frickin' laser beams. Less than nine minutes later, Laine scored again, this time on a wicked wrister over the goalie's left shoulder:
Snipes on snipes. That's six goals in 10 games for the Finnish star, in addition to four assists. Point-per game average will usually get it done. Laine seems to be fitting in nicely in Columbus, which is already one of the biggest upsets of 2021 after he was benched four games in to his Blue Jackets tenure.