NHL: New York Islanders at Montreal Canadiens - Source: Imagn — Patrik Laine shines in Montreal Canadiens debut with OT win over Islanders (Source: Imagn)

Patrik Laine's linemate makes his feelings known about debutant's ovation from Habs fans

Modified Dec 04, 2024 04:14 GMT

Patrik Laine made a strong debut for the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, scoring in a 2-1 overtime win against the New York Islanders. Playing his first regular-season game in almost a year, Laine opened the scoring on a power play. His wrist shot off the post and in sent the Bell Centre crowd into a craze.

Patrik Laine received a massive ovation from fans, which he called "the most outrageous thing" he had ever heard. He described the experience as humbling and unforgettable.

“That was the most outrageous thing I’ve ever heard in my entire life…it’ll be something I’ll for sure remember forever. That was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen…Pretty humbling and I’m just grateful and just thankful to be here," Patrik Laine said.

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Laine's teammate, forward Juraj Slafkovský also shared his thoughts with a chuckle:

“It was pretty good but it wasn't better as when I scored hat-trick, but it's up there for sure.”

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Nick Suzuki scored the overtime winner, following his own rebound to snap the Canadiens’ two-game losing streak. Goaltender Sam Montembeault had a solid game, making 30 saves. The Islanders struggled again on the power play, going 0-for-3.

Patrik Laine's return was special, as it had been 355 days since his last regular-season game. He missed time due to a clavicle injury and later prioritized his mental health through the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Cleared to return in July, he joined the Canadiens weeks later through a trade.

Montreal host the Nashville Predators on Thursday as part of their homestand. The Islanders will look to rebound when they face the Seattle Kraken on the same night.

Montreal Canadiens fall 6-3 to Bruins in absence of Patrik Laine

In their previous game on Sunday, the Canadiens lost 6-3 to the Bruins, who celebrated their Centennial. Charlie McAvoy and Charlie Coyle scored twice for Boston, while David Pastrnak added one goal.

The Bruins took control early, scoring three quick goals in the first period. The Canadiens fought back with two goals from Cole Caufield but couldn’t close the gap.

Before the game, Boston honored its 100-year history with a ceremony featuring legends like Bobby Orr and Ray Bourque. Captain Brad Marchand expressed pride in the team’s legacy:

“The history of the game and this organization is something that we’re very proud of in here. To have a lot of alumni in the building and be part of the events is really special, and it’s incredible to have them around” (via NHL.com).

Despite their efforts, Montreal couldn't recover from its early deficit.