Winnipeg Jets: Patrik Laine’s Preseason Is Not Cause for Concern
Pretty much every young player the Winnipeg Jets have thrown out their this preseason has impressed, and that’s a good thing. It’s always good to have young depth.
The Winnipeg Jets look just fine. Nobody was seriously hurt during the exhibition slate. Some of the kids have really shown what they can do. And most of the veterans are quietly preparing for the coming grind.
Dustin Byfuglien, Blake Wheeler, Nikolaj Ehlers and Mark Scheifele have all produced, and while that doesn’t matter, it has a calming effect. Nothing to worry about. Worrying is often irrational.
But in four games, someone has recorded no goals and just one point. This person is supposed to be maybe not only the Winnipeg Jets’ best goal scorer, but also among the best in the league.
I’m assuming you’ve read the title (would be really hard to miss at this point), so you’re aware it’s Patrik Laine. Not really sure why I buried the lede there.
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Look, I get it. Laine was amazing last season. Nobody is upset about 44 goals. It’s fantastic. I hope he puts up 50 this season. But I just wanted to get this out here so you all know not to worry. Sometimes you gotta talk some fans off of the proverbial ledge.
Patrik Laine scored 5 goals and had 7 assists in 17 playoff contests. Those numbers are acceptable. They’re not good for someone like him, but they’re not shameful.
Laine was, however, very ineffective down the stretch. He looked like he was skating in tar for the last series and a half. And while I was happy to chalk that up to fatigue, it’s a bad look. I received plenty of comments and messages blasting Laine and worrying if he gave a damn.
I can assure you that he does, although I’ve never met the man. And yes, I paid you all no mind. But then this preseason happened, and Laine failed to score a goal. He did knock a couple off the post in the game against the Devils.
His shooting percentage in the playoffs was nearly ten full points lower than his regular season mark (8.9% to 18.3%), and this preseason it’s been zero percent, obviously. Those are too low. I know the playoffs are tough, but I’m not worried about him.
I guarantee you when the season opens against the St. Louis Blues, Patrik Laine will be just fine. He’ll be putting pucks in the net like only he knows how. He’ll, in all likelihood, lead the team in goals.
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He might even lead the league, and contend for that Rocket Richard Trophy. Wouldn’t that be fun? Just, try not to worry so much. Things will be okay. I’ll let you know when it’s time to push the panic button, but I’m not going to do it very easily.