Patrick Laine, the former second overall pick of the Winnipeg Jets in 2016, will be back for the first time as a member of the Montreal Canadiens.
The Jets’ meeting with the Canadiens is the first of two; the second will be played on January 28, just over a month later. The Jets are clinging to a one-point lead over the Minnesota Wild in the Central Division heading into tonight’s game, but the Jets have two more games to play.
The Canadiens are at the other end of the standings, finishing last in the Atlantic Division and 29th in the NHL. The Canadiens have been poor in every facet of the game, ranking 24th in goals per game, 31st in goals allowed per game and all have the worst goal difference out of 32 teams (-29).
Despite everything that went wrong for the Canadiens, they have shined and some bright spots have emerged. Nick Suzuki continued to provide the franchise with strong center play, Cole Caufield finished in the top 10 in goals scored, Samuel Montemboult was named to Canada’s all-4 national team and Lane scored three goals in his first five games.
Lane’s three goals came on the power play, but the Canadiens found a way to get him the puck in the scoring areas he needed to succeed in the NHL. The 26-year-old has battled injuries and mental health issues since leaving the Jets, but he hopes he’s found a new home to rejuvenate his career.
With all the anticipation, the Jets know they need to stay focused and get the two points. They’ve gone 4-5-1 in their last ten games and haven’t played consistent hockey. They were completely blown out by the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday and wouldn’t have gotten any points if it weren’t for Connor Hellebuyck.