COLUMBUS, Ohio—Two days after making his debut as a healthy scratch, veteran forward Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets made it apparent how unhappy he was with the decision of the team’s first-year coach, Pascal Vincent.
Expressing his disappointment in no uncertain terms, Laine referred to the benching as “probably, over my career, the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to me,” and emphasized that he was truly not happy with the situation. Despite that, he conceded to the situation and is keen on moving forward.
In addition, Laine declared that he was caught off guard by the decision, believed it was unfair, and perceived it as detrimental to his game. While acknowledging that he has encountered challenges this season, mainly due to injuries, Laine noted his struggles with only two goals and one assist in nine games.
He further added, “If your confidence isn’t there, I don’t think you’re going to find it eating popcorn, watching the game. That’s my opinion.”
Moreover, Laine expressed his understanding that those playing are the ones who are getting picked, but also emphasized the need to be on the ice to regain confidence. He acknowledged his past performance and took responsibility for it, yet voiced his opinion on the situation.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are currently dealing with a 4-10-4 start to the season, which has been filled with challenges. Laine’s benching came as the poster child of the team’s struggles and extended their losing streak to match a franchise record of nine consecutive losses at the time of the decision.
Despite the tough situation, Laine did his best to maintain composure in his conversation with reporters, saying, “I’m not going to start analyzing it that much, because I don’t know what I’m gonna say. I’ll just keep it at that. I’m not going to say anything dumb.”
He also revealed that the decision to bench him came as a complete surprise and that he was blindsided by it. Regardless of this, Laine resolved to work hard and move forward with a positive attitude.
Laine’s relationship with Vincent dates back to 2016 when he was drafted by Winnipeg. However, knowing Vincent personally did not make it any easier for Laine to accept the coach’s decision.
He remarked, “I don’t think it matters who it is, Pazzy or somebody else I don’t know that well. I would have said the same thing—I’m not happy with this. I don’t think it’s fair.”
Vincent has made several bold coaching moves since taking on the leadership role for the Blue Jackets, with other notable players experiencing benching. The decision to bench Laine came as a significant move, garnering support from the management team.
Vincent explained, “I expect from him and all the players to respond like a man. I know he wasn’t happy. Like, if he was happy today and he said something different, I’d be disappointed.”
Further emphasizing the need for Laine’s response in the upcoming games, Vincent said, “We need him. We absolutely need him. We need his talent. We need his presence. We need his skill level. We need his ability to be a difference-maker in the games. We know he can do it. To me, we’re moving forward.”
Amidst a tumultuous season, Vincent remained resolute in his approach, expressing the need to challenge the team and make tough decisions to steer them in the right direction. He stood by his vision for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Vincent affirmed, “My vision for this team is, we want to be a team that challenges to be in the playoffs every year, and if we stay status quo, it’s not going to happen.” He also addressed the potential of unsettling some players, stating, “So by challenging guys, by making these decisions, there’s a reason behind it. There’s a vision behind it, and in order to get there, yes, it’s going to be uncomfortable for some people. It’s asking this: ‘Are you in? Or are you in the way?’ We’re in that stage.”
(Photo of Patrik Laine: Jason Mowry /Getty Images)
Reference
Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.
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