Patrik Laine was named the Molson Cup recipient for December. He got that because he was named the first star of the game four times in the month. His eight power-play goals at the time didn’t hurt and that’s still holding as a top performer with the man advantage in the league.
Laine received the award ahead of the game against the Dallas Stars. The Canadiens got a point but lost this game 2-1. Laine was a factor once again in the game and the home crowd loved it.
Laine got back in against Dallas and got his ninth power-play goal of the season. Nick Suzuki made sure he got the puck to Laine as he was getting ready to hammer the puck and it blasted into the net. That’s what the Canadiens need out of him.
That Stars game went to a shootout and Laine was the first to go but Jake Oettinger was up to the task making the key save. He ended up saving them all.
Laine played 17 minutes in the game against Dallas. He registered three shots on net and had two hits and a blocked shot. That was a solid effort out of the big Finn.
The Canadiens are just two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for that last Wild Card spot. They have a game in hand on them and the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are tied with Montreal with 44 points have played two more games. These games in hand are important.
