Patrik Laine isn’t having the easiest time with the Montreal Canadiens right now. The talented forward has seen his ice time drop dramatically, getting the fewest 5-on-5 minutes of any forward under head coach Martin St. Louis.
But he’s not taking it lying down.
In Saturday’s game against the New Jersey Devils, Laine showed he’s ready to fight for his spot. He threw some big hits and made smart defensive plays – exactly the kind of effort his coach has been looking for.
“It’s tough,” Laine admitted after the game, addressing his recent demotion from the top six forwards. “Even if my body feels good sometimes and confidence isn’t quite there, I need to contribute in other ways if my offensive game isn’t clicking.”
That’s exactly what he did against the Devils. While he didn’t light up the scoreboard, Laine’s physical presence and defensive awareness sent a clear message to St. Louis and the coaching staff.
It’s a big adjustment for a player who’s known primarily for his scoring touch. After dropping out of the top six forwards, Laine’s had to reinvent parts of his game to earn back his coach’s trust.
The question now is whether these changes will be enough to get him back into a bigger role. Saturday’s performance was definitely a step in the right direction.
