Ah $h!*, here we go again.
The Columbus Blue Jackets found themselves in another tight game on Thursday night, and guess who was nowhere to be seen on the ice in the last seven minutes of the game? Yup, Patrik Laine. The guy was picking slivers from his bottom as Columbus battled against the Florida Panthers, a game they ultimately lost 5-4 in overtime despite holding a 4-1 lead with nearly 15 minutes left. What’s even crazier? Patty already had a goal and an assist in the game.
What, what?!
Yes, very curious, and you just knew Torts was going to get asked about it. So when he eventually did, he didn’t really have a clear answer. We’ll let you unpack this as you please…
Yeah… doesn’t really answer the question. Patrik, on the other hand, thought he was having a pretty good game up to his benching!
So let’s get this straight. The Blue Jackets traded their franchise forward for a new franchise forward, and then that franchise player gets benched… after doing what he was brought in to already do that game? Let’s remember that Patrik’s already been given the Torts treatment. When you bring in a star player, shouldn’t you give them as much opportunity as they can handle?
At this point, even hockey insiders are starting to wonder if Torts is trying to punch himself a ticket out of Ohio.
We’re just going to have to wait and see how things play out in Columbus. Laine is set to become a restricted free agent in the summer.
(H/T Jacob Nitzberg)
