Jets Nation Recap: Laine Is Hurt

Game Notes:

• The hit! Everyone is talking about it so we will as well. First off, it was clean. McCabe did nothing wrong. We don’t see open ice hits that often in today’s NHL so it was a shock to the system. But, Laine got caught with his head down and McCabe lowered the boom. Dustin Byfuglien has delivered some earth-shattering bodychecks during his tenure as a Jet and I’ve defended those hits even though the result was awful. I’ll defend this hit as well. The result is horrible and no one wants to see a young star like Laine get injured. It was very scary. But it was clean. It’s another reminder that hockey can be a vicious, cruel sport.
• For those wanting either Chris Thorburn or Anthony Peluso in the lineup, they wouldn’t have prevented the hit. Firstly, both are right wingers and they wouldn’t have been on the ice with Laine who is also a right winger. Secondly, the game has changed in which enforcers can’t really protect star players like they did in the 1970s and 1980s. The penalties are too severe. Thirdly, we don’t need anymore injuries because of fights. There is a pending lawsuit filed by former NHL players against the league for not doing enough to educate about concussions and the after affects. Having “enforcers” like Peluso and Thorburn wouldn’t have solved anything. In fact, it could have made things worse.
• On to the game itself. The Jets scored first as Nikolaj Ehlers finished off a lovely feed from Laine on a two-on-one. Buffalo tied it late in the first but second period goals from Drew Stafford and Joel Armia (man crush) gave the Jets a two goal lead. 
• Penalties reared their ugly head yet again as the Jets took three straight minors as the middle frame drew to a close. The Sabres didn’t score on those power play opportunities but they did take the momentum away from the Jets and used it to their advantage in the third.
• The Sabres got goals from Marcus Foligno, Zemgus Girgensons and Brian Gionta to give them the victory as they outshot the Jets 16-5 in the third period. The McCabe hit on Laine played a major factor as well.
• Last note on Laine. Here’s hoping the team takes every single precaution with him. As of press time, we don’t know his condition. The Jets have a very valuable asset and it is in their best interest to be as cautious and careful in dealing with Laine’s condition. Even if it means shutting him down for the season, his long-term health is what’s most important!

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