Patrik Laine returned to Ohio with some controversy. The 26-year-old forward spoke out against the team's losing culture, which is somewhat understandable as professional athletes are wired and fixated on success.
The Blue Jackets weren't pleased, and they made a point to get physical on Patrik Laine throughout the game on Monday, particularly in the first period.
This response is heavy-handed but somewhat expected; no team likes to have a former player speak out about the structure of the team. However, it is hard to dispute Laine as the Blue Jackets do have clear and obvious flaws as an organization.
Also backing Laine's claims is Columbus general manager Don Waddell. He added that the level of acceptance regarding the losing seasons in Ohio was unacceptable, and that also needs to change culturally.
In less drama-filled news, Laine recently was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week. This was due to his incredible power-play performances as of late.
But after leaving the game against Columbus with an injury, there has been no update on his condition.
Things didn't end on the ice, however, as a therapist, reportedly one who made disparaging comments about Laine online following his exit from the game, has faced an avalanche of scrutiny.
Her comments have incited a firestorm of backlash as fans and pros alike have condemned her behavior as unprofessional and unethical. The incident has simply furthered the hot talk about Laine and the Blue Jackets.
To end off in good news, the holiday period is approaching, and Jake Evans certainly has reason for cheer. The forward scored in a third straight game and continues to be a key contributor on the fourth line in key victories.
Lane Hutson also kept it going, scoring another on Monday. His 26 points in 34 games rank him 10th overall in NHL defenseman scoring, further cementing his stellar campaign.
G | A | PTS | ||
Mark Scheifele | 3 | 1 | 4 | |
Kyle Connor | 2 | 2 | 4 | |
Sidney Crosby | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
Rasmus Dahlin | - | 4 | 4 | |
Dylan Holloway | 3 | - | 3 | |
Jack Hughes | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
Jirí Kulich | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
Jonathan Marchessault | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
Brad Marchand | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
Kirill Marchenko | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
Filip Forsberg | - | 3 | 3 | |
Sean Monahan | - | 3 | 3 | |
Gabriel Vilardi | - | 3 | 3 | |
Zachary Werenski | - | 3 | 3 | |
Michael Bunting | 2 | - | 2 | |
Elias Pettersson | 2 | - | 2 | |
John Tavares | 2 | - | 2 | |
Dmitry Voronkov | 2 | - | 2 | |
Charlie Coyle | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Jake Evans | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Complete stats |
STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 36 | 25 | 10 | 1 | 51 | |
Golden Knights | 34 | 23 | 8 | 3 | 49 | |
Devils | 37 | 23 | 11 | 3 | 49 | |
Capitals | 34 | 23 | 9 | 2 | 48 | |
Wild | 35 | 21 | 10 | 4 | 46 | |
Panthers | 36 | 22 | 12 | 2 | 46 | |
Oilers | 34 | 21 | 11 | 2 | 44 | |
Maple Leafs | 35 | 21 | 12 | 2 | 44 | |
Hurricanes | 34 | 21 | 12 | 1 | 43 | |
Kings | 34 | 19 | 10 | 5 | 43 | |
Conference | Cumulative |