Laine disrespects the great eight ahead of Game 1 on Monday
Photo credit: X.com
Patrik Laine maintained a focused demeanor as the Montreal Canadiens hit the ice for practice in preparation for their first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals.
The Finnish winger will make his Habs postseason debut against one of his childhood idols, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. When asked about facing his hero earlier on Saturday, he wanted nothing to do with it.
"Doesn't matter. Couldn't care less."
Patrik Laine on 'how special' it is to play against Ovechkin in the playoffs.
Patrik Laine on 'how special' it is to play against Ovechkin in the playoffs.
Chris Cerullo from RMNB writes that Laine has previously shared that he grew up cheering for the Capitals and idolizing Alex Ovechkin. He once asked Ovechkin to play video games with him and was thrilled to be on the ice when the legendary forward scored his 600th career goal.
«Washington, they've always been my favorite team when I was growing up. It's always been my dream to play against them." -Laine
Laine will finally get his wish as Game 1 of the first round between the Capitals and Montreal Canadiens is set for Monday night at Capital One Arena in Washington.
Cerullo also writes that although it's been a few years since Laine was deeply involved in a full NHL playoff run, he remains confident that he has another gear to reach, especially when the stakes are at their highest.
«Yeah, I'll turn it up. I think regular season is a different thing. Playoffs is a different kind of animal, and I always got fired up in playoffs or big games overall, the national team, or whatever. It's always kind of been the switch for me, so just excited to turn it on Monday.» -Laine
Laine finished the season with 33 points (20 goals, 13 assists) in 52 games for the Canadiens. He missed 24 games after suffering a knee injury in preseason and didn't make his regular-season debut until December.
Although it's been a few years since Laine was deeply involved in an NHL playoff run, he remains confident that he has another level to his game that can emerge when the stakes are highest.
We'll see if he can bring that next level starting Monday.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 19 | 51 ANSWERS Laine disrespects the great eight ahead of Game 1 on Monday Are you upset with Laine's comments towards Capitals' captain Alex Ovechkin? | ||
| yes | 20 | 39.2 % |
| no | 31 | 60.8 % |
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