Patrik Laine struggled in Columbus Blue Jackets debut after a nearly three-week layoff due to injury and his trade to the team.
"It was tough at the beginning," Laine said, per NHL.com."The legs weren't quite there. My head was definitely not there. My hands were not there. And, obviously, a new system and linemates. But I'm not here to make excuses. I think I wasn't at the level I need to be for this team to be able to win."
Laine arrived in Columbus on Friday and completed his 48-hour quarantine over the weekend before joining the Blue Jackets for their gameday skate on Tuesday. Having been previously sidelined with an upper-body injury, Tuesday marked his first game action since the Winnipeg Jets season opener on Jan. 14.
Shocking
This is the most probable start for a guy who's hasn't played in weeks, or even practiced with his new team. A bit early to judge him, unless your stick under a rock and believe he's a one trick pony. Which he is not. But haters gonna hate.
All of us here just waiting for Torts to bench
It’s only going to get worse
awwwww....do we feel sorry.....ei mahdollisuutta
Can't think of too many NHL players that sit for more than two weeks and don't struggle.
Tortz right now knowing he can't bench him, ever.
This is why Matthews Matthews Pants Laine