Visibly, even in the midst of the Four Nations Faceoff and while playing for Finland, Patrik Laine’s name continues to spark discussions in Montreal. We’ve talked about it several times, but we’re starting to wonder if the media (in general) is being too harsh on Laine.

There was even some mild controversy on social media today regarding this topic.

David Calabretta, from The Fourth Period, specifically called out a Montreal journalist who continued to criticize Laine even today during the game between Finland and Canada.

“It’s 4-0 Canada vs Finland. No one on Finland has shown up to play however a certain Habs reporter continues to poke at Laine in several tweets.

Why don’t players want to play for Montreal??”

– David Calabretta

 

Patrik Laine continues to draw attention from Montreal journalists

We don’t necessarily want to single out the journalist being targeted here, but here are a few posts from the past few hours that were shared today and concern forward Patrik Laine.

The question is: is the level of criticism toward Laine starting to become excessive?

Personally, I feel like I’m just starting to accept the type of player Patrik Laine is, I’m beginning to accept that he will never win a Selke Trophy, but I also know he can completely change the course of a game with a single shot.

“McDavid’s speed leads to Canada’s third goal. Mark Stone, whom Patrik Laine loses in defensive coverage, jumps on a rebound from a Travis Sanheim shot We’re getting closer and closer to the highly anticipated final: Canada vs. USA.”

“Joel Armia forces Canada into a penalty: Toews hooks him as he approaches Binnington’s net. First power play of the game. A great opportunity for Patrik Laine and Finland’s other stars to wake up.. 4-0 Canada.”

“The first period is over at TD Garden. Canada leads 3-0 and has complete control of the game. So far, the Finns are just going through the motions-and that’s not just true for Patrik Laine.”

– Journalist Francois Gagnon On Laine

 

 

 

 

In any case, despite this..

Laine finished today’s game with one point, after collecting two more against Sweden.

 

Finland’s coach had positive remarks about Laine and felt he had a strong overall tournament. Trailing 4-0 against Canada late in the game, Laine spent 5:34 straight on the ice at TD Garden to finish the game.

 

 

Let’s just say Patrik Laine had the trust of his head coach, Antti Pennanen when Finland needed goals!