Winnipeg Jets forward Patrik Laine came into tonight’s game against the Kings tied with Alex Ovechkin for the league lead in goals. Not only did Laine finish the night in second place in the Maurice “Rocket” Richard race, but the Finn also came out worse for wear physically.
Laine left the contest in the second period after blocking a shot with his right ankle. He would not return to the game.
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Patrik Laine will not return for the Winnipeg Jets tonight after blocking this Alec Martinez shot. pic.twitter.com/u9aCrRZaFj
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) March 21, 2018
Needless to say, Jets fans and fans of the young superstar were in panic mode.
Patrik Laine was just helped to #NHLJets dressing room after blocking a shot jic you're wondering why Winnipeg is about to devolve into a post-apocalyptic state where cannibalism rampant.
— randy turner (@randyturner15) March 21, 2018
patrik laine can have my leg I will saw it off right now for him I swear
— michael (@mhblundell) March 21, 2018
However, the injury does not seem to be too serious, as Jets head coach Paul Maurice downplayed its severity after the game.
Maurice says the team doesn't believe Laine's injury will be long-term.
— Mitchell Clinton (@MitchellClinton) March 21, 2018
Turns out, Maurice has jokes too.
Paul Maurice was asked if the puck hit Patrik Laine above the foot. His response: “It's a concussion.” #NHLJets
— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) March 21, 2018
Laine’s absence on the scoresheet tonight snapped a 15-game point streak for the sniper, the longest ever recorded by a teenager. He stands at 43 goals, one behind Ovechkin after his Ovi Shot from the Ovi Spot on Tuesday against Dallas lifted him to 44.
Meanwhile, Winnipeg beat Los Angeles 2-1 in overtime to maintain second place in the Central Division, eight points ahead of Minnesota in third and eight behind Nashville for first.
Headline Photo: Jonathan Kozub
