Patrick Laine has arrived. The player the hockey world has been waiting for is HERE. In his first seven games with the Montreal Canadiens, Laine has registered six goals for the club. Three of those came in their outing against the Buffalo Sabres on December 17th.
Yes, Laine is off to a wicked hot start with his new team, but he has yet to put an even-strength puck behind the net-minder. Each of his goals in his first hat-trick as a Canadien came from the faceoff circle on a one-timer. Not necessarily any reason for concern, but when will we see an 5-on5 goal? He has to break the mold of a power-play weapon, to show he has the mojo to be the ultimate sniper he was expected to be.
On top of his strong beginning to the season, Laine has been a great presence in the locker room. The atmosphere behind the scenes look just as electric as they do on the ice (their energy at least, not winning). A bold, humble presence from a veteran player is bound to boost morale, especially after such a devastating injury in the pre-season. Not only will Montreal be awaiting each of his shifts, but so will the rest of the NHL. A story and player everyone wants to see end in success.
Skates, Spikes, and Sidelines 
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