Winnipeg Jets Sophomore Patrick Laine generally isn’t recognized as a trash talker, but he let his gums fly during his team’s 3-2 shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.
At a whistle break, the 19-year-old stared down an opponent and aggresively shouted to him, “what’s your name?”
It’s unclear who the actual comment was made towards but it’s notable that it came from Laine; a player who has for the most part demonstrated solid behaviour since being drafted by Winnipeg in the 2016 NHL draft. The Finn accumulated just 26 penalty minutes in 73 games last season, which was the third lowest amount for players who skated in 60 or more games on the team.
Laine ultimately had the last laugh, as his beautiful signature shootout goal helped set up teammate Bryan Little’s eventual game-winner.
Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images
Laine wasn’t the only skater this past week who was caught running his mouth towards an opposing player. Just last weekend, Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian also shared some choice words with New York Rangers Jimmy Vesey after the two were tangled up in an awkward collision.
While Laine's comment was harsh, it’s important to remember that these things happen in hockey. Even from the players you’d least expect it from.
(H/T r/Hockey)