Patrik Laine’s highly anticipated debut with the Montreal Canadiens couldn’t have been scripted any better.
In his first NHL game in nearly a year, Laine wasted no time making an impact, scoring a slick power-play goal to open the scoring and help the Habs secure a win against the New York Islanders on Wednesday night.
THE ROOF JUST BLEW OFF THE BELL CENTRE, PATRIK LAINE HAS A GOAL IN HIS FIRST GAME BACK 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/l1SzSGhLHp
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 4, 2024
While sequels seldom live up to the original, the Finnish sniper doubled down in his second outing, finding the back of the net again with another beauty just 24 hours later against the Nashville Predators on Thursday.
PATRIK LAINE AGAIN‼️
Two goals in two games in a @CanadiensMTL uniform! pic.twitter.com/nCnMb0i1Ur
— NHL (@NHL) December 6, 2024
With two goals in two games, Laine, who was acquired in an offseason trade, is not only climbing the ranks on the Habs’ scoring leaderboard but he’s also etched his name into the Canadiens’ record books.
The 6-foot-4 winger’s hot start makes him the first Montreal player in over 15 years to score in each of his first two games with the team — a feat last accomplished by forwards Brian Gionta and Travis Moen back in the 2009-10 season.
Even more impressive is that Laine has scored both his goals on the power play, showcasing the elite shot and playmaking ability that made him a second-overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.
“It’s only our second game together. Two games, two goals. I feel like we’ve got something going here,” the 26-year-old said of joining Montreal’s top power play unit after Thursday’s win.
If he keeps firing at this rate, his presence could be exactly what the Canadiens need to rejuvenate a struggling man advantage that, before this season, ranked dead last in the NHL over the past five years.
He’ll get the chance to keep his goal streak alive tomorrow night when the Habs host the Washington Capitals.
Puck drop is set for 7 pm ET.