Laine is heating up.
With five goals and eight assists for 13 points in his last nine games, Patrik Laine is enjoying his best stretch of the season. Over the last three games, he's recorded two goals and four assists, helping the Blue Jackets to a 2-0-1 record over that stretch.
#CBJ Laine (14) goal pic.twitter.com/9nsRLz6uwT
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) January 24, 2023
Laine's talent is undeniable and it makes you wonder how he can go nine games without scoring a goal, as he did before recording a hat trick against the Red Wings on Jan. 14, and if he'll be able to produce a 40-goal season as a Blue Jacket.
#CBJ Laine (13) goal pic.twitter.com/26km9AKqEQ
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) January 22, 2023
Throughout his career, one knock on Laine has been his inconsistency in the goal-scoring department, something I highlighted in a piece I wrote over the summer.
"I think that's probably my main focus, just to stay as steady as I can throughout the year." For Patrik Laine, consistency is key. #CBJ https://t.co/pZorGdY8aV
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) July 27, 2022
Right now, none of that matters, as he's playing his best hockey of the season, which is huge for a team that can use as many bright spots as they can get, as they currently sit at the bottom of the NHL's standings.
#CBJ Laine (10) goal pic.twitter.com/L101cpn3v1
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) January 15, 2023
With that being said, this nine-game stretch for Laine should be his standard of play, especially at an $8.7M cap hit. Not only is he putting the puck in the back of the net, but he's also making plays for his teammates, which is an aspect of his game that has been overlooked.
#CBJ Gaudreau (13) goal pic.twitter.com/1AartjNJhD
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) January 22, 2023
Now, if he can produce at a rate similar to this one over the rest of his career, not only will that $8.7M cap hit look like a bargain, but he could go down as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Maybe this play is a sign of things to come. Maybe not for this season, but next year, when the Blue Jackets will hopefully be healthier and be able to make a run at a playoff spot.
#CBJ Laine (12) goal pic.twitter.com/s2neZlLQQS
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) January 15, 2023
It's no coincidence that this stretch of play has also produced some victories for the Blue Jackets. When your best and most talented players play up to their standard, it's easier to win games.
