The Montreal Canadiens are currently playing some very strong hockey. They have earned points in 10 of their last 12 games.
Looking at this stretch, it is striking to see that the two regular-season losses were against teams that were at the bottom of the standings at the time: the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Chicago Blackhawks.
I say at the time because on December 23, the date of the game between the Habs and the Jackets, Dean Evason’s team was in 5th place in the Metropolitan Division, coming off a 10-game stretch with a record of 3-4-3.
Since then, the Ohio team seems to have regained its form and is now in the thick of the playoff race, battling none other than Montreal.
Patrik Laine’s comments not only gave the Blue Jackets a win but also woke them up
We all remember Patrik Laine’s comments ahead of that game.
He openly targeted his former teammates, saying they didn’t really want to win.
«It was the same thing year after year.
I was tired of losing, tired of us giving up in December and starting to think about next year.»
«It’s frustrating, as a player, when you’re trying to win.
Some people were too easily satisfied, so it didn’t fit with me anymore. Here [in Montreal], whether we win or lose, we always try our best.» – Patrik Laine
As a result of these comments, Laine didn’t finish the game, injured by the numerous hits he took.
He was definitely targeted by his former teammates, who now had a reason to take out their frustration from the past days.
This game also seems to have been the trigger for the Blue Jackets’ recent success.
As of this Sunday, they have a record of 7-2-1 in their last 10 games, which roughly corresponds to the famous game from December 23.
Looking at the standings, these two missed points (which are really 4 in the end) combined with the revival of Columbus could hurt the Habs significantly.
One can only hope that the Habs organization spoke to Laine, as just a few days earlier, he had made similar comments to his former teammate with the Winnipeg Jets, Connor Hellebuyck.
The result was the same, as the Habs lost in regulation by a score of 4-2.
As the saying goes, you definitely shouldn’t wake up the bear (or the Jacket) that’s sleeping..
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