Patrik Laine’s Red-Hot Start Sparks Hope for Canadiens, But Is It Sustainable?

Patrik Laine has quickly become one of the NHL's fairytale stories this season. Eight games into his tenure with the Montreal Canadiens, he is delivering dynamic performances that have fans dreaming big. Are the narratives coming out of Montreal nothing but positive? Or are they potentially problematic?

Before game No. 8, Laine hit six goals in his first seven games — tied for the most in a Canadiens debut season over the last 90 years. And Laine’s impact has been undeniable. His hat trick against the Buffalo Sabres, featuring three power-play goals, reminded fans about the Laine of old and made a statement suggesting the sniper was back.

Brendan Gallagher perfectly summed up the buzz around Laine: “He’s dynamic, he’s exciting. He puts the puck in the net. He gives the fans a reason to cheer.” Gallagher also discussed how quickly Laine’s teammates have taken to him.  He's brought positive energy to the team, which is great to hear, considering he stepped away from the NHL for personal mental health issues.

However, the question remains: Can Laine’s resurgence propel the Canadiens to a successful season? Or, is this run he's on unsustainable?

Is This Scoring Burst Sustainable?

Laine’s start has been electric, but his scoring binge, particularly on the power play, raises questions about how long he can keep it up. While his skill set is undeniable, the Canadiens currently sit seventh in the Atlantic Division, seven points out of a playoff spot. For the Habs to make a legitimate post-season push, Laine will need consistent production, and others on the roster must elevate their play.

A successful season for Laine would likely involve maintaining a point-per-game pace and continuing to be a lethal weapon on special teams. His presence on the power play has revitalized a unit that struggled at times, and Laine has broken new ground with the man advantage. With his power-play one-timer against the Red Wings Friday night, Laine became the seventh player (since 1933-34) to score each of his first seven goals with a franchise on the power play, and he's now the first player in NHL history to score seven power-play goals in his first eight games with a team. But, over-reliance on one player could be risky.

So too, where is his 5-on-5 production? Being a weapon on the power play is great, and it's a wonderful tool to have in the Canadiens' toolbox. But not every team is going to give the Canadiens six power-play opportunities.

Can Laine Spark the Canadiens?

If Laine can keep up with what he's doing – or, frankly, stay anywhere close – this is huge for the Canadiens.

Laine’s energy and scoring touch could be a catalyst for the Canadiens. Players like Gallagher and Nick Suzuki have praised his contributions, and his resurgence might inspire a collective step forward. If Montreal’s young core and veterans can rally around Laine’s momentum, a playoff spot might not be out of reach.

Even if the Canadiens fall short of the post-season, staying competitive in a tough division would be a positive sign for the franchise’s direction. A strong finish to the season could serve as a building block for the team and reaffirm Laine’s status as a cornerstone of their plans.

Fairytale Ending for Laine and the Canadiens

Laine’s return to form has been thrilling, but the Canadiens’ success depends on the team’s ability to match his energy. Whether they make the playoffs or fall just short, Laine’s story has been one of the more uplifting ones this season.

If the team can somehow string a series of wins together and all the pieces fall just right, it will be fascinating to see if they can ride the wave of momentum that his seven goals (all power-play markers) have created.

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