Patrik Laine scores, helps Canadiens to a victory in his return to the ice after nearly a year away

By The Associated Press

Montreal Canadiens' Juraj Slafkovsky (20) looks on as a shot by teammate Patrik Laine scores on New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Christinne Muschi]

MONTREAL (AP) — Patrik Laine made a rousing return after a year away from NHL action. Laine made his debut with the Canadiens on Tuesday night, opening the scoring in Montreal’s 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Laine hadn’t played a regular-season game in nearly a year, but his wicked release was still there. The Finnish sharpshooter received the puck, turned and sent an shot off the post and in on the power play 7:23 into the second period. He was swarmed by teammates while pumping his fists before Canadiens fans stood up and unleashed a deafening ovation while the goal was announced. That scenario was repeated when Laine earned the game’s first star.