Laine’s lights-out shooting wows linemate Little

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This article was published 07/12/2016 (3274 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Veteran Winnipeg Jets centre Bryan Little isn’t easily impressed, but he’s been amazed by the play of rookie teammate Patrik Laine.

Since his return from a lower-body injury that sidelined him for 23 games, Little has often skated on a line with the 18-year-old Laine, who entered Wednesday’s action in a tie with Sidney Crosby for the NHL lead in goals with 17.

“He’s got one of the better shots I’ve ever seen and he’s getting to the point now where he’s so good it’s not surprising anymore — how often his shots find the back of the net,” Little said following the club’s optional practice Wednesday afternoon at the MTS Centre. “He’s a real talented kid and a good guy in the room and look forward to watching a lot of him in the future.”

The role for Laine, a right-winger from Finland and the second overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, has expanded to become so much more than what would normally be placed on rookies.

“I don’t know if anyone expected him to come in and make this big of an impact right away,” said Little. “Everyone knew he was a great player and had a great shot but the way he’s stepped in, he’s been a huge part of our team and a huge part of our offence.”

The special attention Laine is already drawing is something he will have to get used to if he isn’t already.

“People are going to be more and more aware of how good he is,” said Little. “You already see that on the power play, they’re trying to take away his shot. Similar to (Washington Capital’s Alex) Ovechkin and (Tampa Bay Lightning’s Steven) Stamkos, trying to cheat a bit on him. He’s probably going to get that a lot the rest of his career just because his release on his shot is so dangerous.”

Missed opportunity

The Jets frittered away a 3-1 lead on Tuesday night at the MTS Centre, allowing the Detroit Red Wings to tie the game before beating Winnipeg 4-3 in a shootout.

“I think it’s best if we put that game behind us,” said Little. “We had a great chance to get two points and we didn’t come through — couldn’t hold onto the lead. It’s disappointing losing any hockey game but we’ll take out point and focus on what’s ahead.”

Trouba finding his rhythm

Jacob Trouba has played 14 games since ending a contract impasse with the Jets. He’s averaging 24:04 minutes of ice time while registering three assists and 12 penalty minutes.

The blue-liner is also getting special teams playing time, and perhaps most importantly, the right-hander is getting his ice time on the right side, which was the publicized reason for an earlier trade request. A longer term injury to defenceman Tyler Myers has also contributed to his playing status.

“It’s nice to play the minutes — you’ve gotta keep earning the minutes,” said Trouba. “Yeah, it’s what I wanted to do.

“It’s a function of some injuries and some other things. It’s just how things have shaken out but, yeah, it’s where I want to be and keep on earning.”

Trouba insisted he isn’t bothered by his low offensive production.

“I’ve never really been one to push the offensive side and make it happen,” said Trouba. “When it’s there, take it, when it’s not there, I’m a defenceman and my job is to keep the puck out of my net. That’s my first priority.”

Scheifele skates, status uncertain

Jets centre Mark Scheifele, who has missed three consecutive games with a lower-body injury, skated before the club’s Wednesday practice but is still listed as day-to-day.

His status will be reevaluated Thursday morning before that night’s game against the visiting New York Rangers.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14