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Winnipeg Jets: Patrik Laine Keeping Pace With Matthews

By Anthony Jacob

Oct 13, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets right wing Patrik Laine (29) celebrates his first NHL goal with teammates during the third period against Carolina Hurricanes at MTS Centre. Winnipeg wins 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets right wing Patrik Laine (29) celebrates his first NHL goal with teammates during the third period against Carolina Hurricanes at MTS Centre. Winnipeg wins 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /
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It may just be three days into the NHL Regular Season, but it’s no coincidence that Patrik Laine and Auston Matthews are the first pair of first and second overall selections to go on in their first career game and score multiple points. The Winnipeg Jets second overall pick is going to be in a Calder Trophy race for the ages.

When we saw Auston Matthews score a goal in his third NHL shift, and three more after that, no one could have more pressure on their shoulders than Patrik Laine. He is the one who said he should be the one taken first overall in the entry draft. Now he sees his competition make a competent Senators defence-corps look like pylons. Laine took it into his own hands, and went out to get his own first career goal, and assist, in his first game the next day. Sure, it wasn’t a four goal performance like Matthews, but how can you expect that?

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Laine’s game wasn’t just felt on the score sheet though. He established himself against the Hurricanes as a physical, defensive smart power forward that Finnish forwards are accustomed to being. He, and captain Blake Wheeler took charge of the offence late in the game, which created the big comeback. With Bryan Little now out indefinetly, he will be given all the opportunities to beat Auston Matthews for the Calder Trophy.

The biggest advantage that goes to Laine is the team in front of him. They will be fighting  all year for a playoff spot, while Matthews will be playing in some meaningless games down the stretch. Matthews advantage over Laine is that he has all the confidence in the world. If being the first overall pick wasn’t enough, how about scoring four goals in your debut? That can’t be leaving you looking for answers.

Toronto picked Auston Matthews first for a reason, and right now, he has a slight edge over the Jets phenom for the rookie of the year honours.

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