As this season has progressed, we’ve brought you clips of spectacular Patrik Laine goals during his rookie campaign. (See here and here as examples.)
There is no doubt that he’s in the early running for rookie of the year with 17 goals in 32 games. Only two players in the league right now -- Sidney Crosby and David Pastrnak -- have more goals so far this season. Laine scored Sunday -- just into the wrong net.
And his gaffe, unfortunately, was a costly one, as the Jets lost 3-2 to the Edmonton Oilers.
Just past the halfway mark of the third period, Edmonton defenseman Mark Letestu ripped a shot from the faceoff circle, the puck easily stopped by Connor Hellebuyck. The rebound kicked right out to Laine, who fired the puck right into his own net, giving the Oilers their first lead of the night.
These things happen. Laine isn’t the first NHL player to score into his own net. He certainly won’t be the last.
Laine, appearing dejected, could be seen at the bench being consoled by captain Blake Wheeler after it all transpired.
“He’s 18-years-old and he feels terrible. These things happen. I’ve done it many times, it’s just a bad bounce,” said Wheeler, per Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun.