Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine will forever be seen as rivals. As the top two rated prospects, and top two picks in the 2016 NHL Draft they will always be linked. The debate leading up to the draft was fierce, and their games at the World Juniors, World Championships, and World Cup must see events for hockey prospect watchers. Now it’s time to do it in the NHL though, performing for the teams that made Matthews and Laine the cornerstones of their rebuilding plans. In the first NHL match-up between the two on Wednesday, it was Laine who made a statement in front of the home crowd in Winnipeg.
Patrik Laine, Winnipeg Jets Win First Battle of 2016 Draft Picks
The Leafs built up a 4-0 lead, with Matthews earning one assist; but a Tyler Myers goal late in the second period got the Jets closer before heading to the break. From there, it was the Laine show. He scored early in the third and the crowd chanted, “Laine’s Better”. Just over five minutes Mark Scheifele pulled the Jets within a goal and the crowd got louder. When Laine tied the game, blistering a slap shot past Frederik Andersen with just 55 seconds left in the third period, the MTS Centre faithful exploded. And after Laine completed the hat trick and won the game, scoring on a two-on-one in overtime; the crowd was delirious.
Laine was asked about the fan chants. He told TSN’s Gary Lawless the following, ““Yes, I heard it. It was good. But that’s their opinion and I’m not going to say that.”
Scheifele also spoke about his linemates’ performance following the game. He was a little more forthright when discussing the clear battle between Laine and Matthews. “(Laine) stole the show. He’s getting better every night. I’m glad he’s on my team. Laine got the last straw tonight so he wins (this battle between him and Matthews),” said Scheifele. “He can score. He does a lot of things well but he can score. (Laine) didn’t even look across the ice on the winner to see who was with him and he shouldn’t. He should shoot that shot every time.”
It was certainly a night that Jets fans, and Laine won’t soon forget.
For Auston Matthews, the Leafs and their fans. They will be circling February 22nd on the calendar, and a chance to win the second round of this newly minted rivalry.
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