The Columbus Blue Jackets lost Monday night.
But Patrik Laine was found - and that may be better than a win in the long run.
After a second period laser to beat Chicago Blackhawks goalie Kevin Lankinen, the 22-year-old Laine brought the Nationwide Arena crowd to its feet in the third period, and the cannon to its boom.
After a great hit by defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to work Chicago's Kirby Dach off the puck as he entered into the Columbus zone, Laine gathered the puck. He began the 200-foot journey by slipping by Alex DeBrincat behind the Blue Jackets net, outraced a recovered Dach near center ice, turned Calvin de Haan around, and kept the puck out of the reach of Riley Stillman - all before beating Lankinen to tie the game at 3-3.
Folks, this is a Goal of the Year candidate from Patrik Laine. Sheesh! #CBJ pic.twitter.com/Jvlj36Va90
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2021
Dating back to Saturday's game, it was Laine's third consecutive shot to find the back of the net.
The goals were Laine's 11th and 12th of the season.
More, please.
