Laine’s blazing start mirrors Ovechkin; Bolts without Stamkos; Jagr looking his age?
How do Patrik Laine’s dazzling first 21 games stack up against Alex Ovechkin, the superstar goal-scorer he’s long been compared to?
Pretty favourably actually.
Starting his NHL career in the 2005-06 season, Ovechkin surged out of the gate with 15 goals and 22 points in his first 21 games with Washington, while firing 111 shots on goal. At the same stage of his rookie year with Winnipeg, Laine has 12 goals and 18 points, if managing a more tidy 57 shots.
Ovechkin would eventually beat out Sidney Crosby for the Calder Trophy in 2006, finishing with 52 goals and 106 points. The Russian star is now the grizzled 31-year-old captain of the Capitals and easily the greatest scorer of his generation and one of the best all-time.