Laine receives loud ovation from Canadiens fans before opening night

Injured forward gets warm welcome at Bell Centre

Patrik Laine ovation
By Anna Kulesa
@akulesa_ NHL.com Staff Writer

Patrik Laine’s debut for the Montreal Canadiens might be delayed, but the fans are thrilled to have him at the Bell Centre.

The Finnish forward received a loud ovation from Canadiens fans in the stands during player introductions before the team’s opening night game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Montreal.

Canadiens fans got to their feet and cheered extensively after Laine’s name was announced. The Canadiens forward smiled at the crowd as head coach Martin St. Louis patted him on the back.

Laine is currently out for two to three months with a knee sprain that he sustained during a preseason game against the Maple Leafs on Sept. 28.

In August, the forward was traded to the Canadiens by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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