The opening game of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals was nothing short of electrifying. In a dramatic showdown at Capital One Arena, both teams battled fiercely, trading momentum and big moments in front of a raucous crowd. Despite a valiant effort and a spirited comeback by Martin St-Louis’ Canadiens, it was the Capitals who ultimately emerged victorious, thanks to a heart-stopping overtime goal from none other than Alex Ovechkin.

As the dust settled on a thrilling Game 1, emotions ran high both on the ice and among fans. The Canadiens now find themselves trailing 1-0 in the series, and the post-game conversations quickly turned to what went wrong in those final, crucial moments.

It wasn’t long before the spotlight shifted to one player in particular—Patrik Laine—whose decision-making late in the game has come under intense scrutiny from analysts and fans alike. With experts weighing in and the pressure mounting, the debate is heating up: Did a single mistake cost Montreal their shot at an early series lead, or is the blame being unfairly placed?

Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

As you know, the Montreal Canadiens were defeated last night in Game 1 against the Washington Capitals. Despite a solid comeback, Martin St-Louis’ squad had to concede, and the Habs now trail 1-0 in this first-round series.

It was a goal by none other than the great Alex Ovechkin in overtime that sealed the outcome of the first game.

After the game, former Detroit Red Wings head coach and former Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Derek Lalonde had a lot to say about one particular Canadiens player.

Now an analyst for the Sportsnet network, Lalonde believes Laine is the main culprit behind the Canadiens’ loss last night.

Derek Lalonde Points the Finger at Patrik Laine

As also reported by Marco Normandin (HABSolumentFan), here’s Lalonde’s reasoning:

“You have to be ready to set up the next line. Laine was at the end of his shift and simply had to dump the puck into the Capitals’ zone to allow a line change, but he didn’t.

That’s the line that ended up on the ice for the game-winning goal on the next play after the icing call.”

Derek Lalonde

A turnover that ultimately changed everything in Game 1.

It lines up quite a bit with the point made by TVA Sports journalist Anthony Martineau.

“15 seconds before Guhle’s pass, which turned into an icing call, Patrik Laine failed to dump the puck into the Capitals’ zone.

He lost the puck to Washington in the neutral zone.

All of that kept the sequence alive and prevented his line from making a change.”

– Anthony Martineau

It’s a bit harsh to pin the loss entirely on Laine, but he clearly put a target on his back, especially because of his comments about Alex Ovechkin.

“Someone should tell Patrik Laine that he should care.. Ovi still scores!”

The Score

Personally, I didn’t hate Laine’s performance last night, but I can also understand Derek Lalonde’s reasoning here.

What about you, what’s your opinion of Laine’s performance in Game 1 against the Capitals?