Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski didn’t hold back when addressing Patrik Laine’s recent comments following Monday’s game.
“For him to bash us like that, I think it’s just unacceptable,” Werenski told reporters after their 5-4 victory.
Laine, who was playing in Columbus for the first time since being traded to the Montreal Canadiens, had some harsh words about his former team during his morning skate.
“Obviously, things happened, and that was kind of it for me,” Laine said to The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline earlier that day.
“I feel like we were just doing the same thing year after year. I was tired of losing and just giving up when it’s December, and starting to focus on next year. I’m not going to do that. That’s frustrating as a player when you’re trying to win, and some people are, you know, not like that.
“They’re a little too satisfied and too comfortable where they’re at. It wasn’t really a fit for me anymore. But here (in Montreal), it doesn’t matter if we’re winning or losing, we’re always trying our best. That’s what I felt about it (in Columbus).”
The Blue Jackets were less than thrilled by Laine’s comments, to say the least.
“We were nothing but good teammates to him,” Werenski responded. “For him to come in and say all that, that’s bulls—. Definitely not happy about it, and none of us in this room are happy about it. That speaks more about him than it does us.”
The nine-year Blue Jackets veteran admitted that Laine’s remarks added some fuel to the team’s fire, motivating them to play a strong game.
“What’s he thinking, saying that? It’s just incredible,” Werenski said, acknowledging the added motivation within the lineup. “I’ve got no more time for that. I don’t want to talk about Patty anymore. I hope he’s all right. I just thought that was pretty ridiculous, to be honest.”
Laine didn’t exactly receive a warm welcome during his return to Columbus. He was greeted with boos the moment he touched the puck and, unlike other players in similar situations, didn’t receive a tribute video from the Blue Jackets, with whom he played for parts of four seasons.
The 26-year-old forward left the game after the first period and finished with no points in 6:15 of ice time.
Werenski, in contrast, had a standout performance, recording three assists and seven shots on goal in 28:11 of ice time.
The two teams won’t meet again this regular season, so it will be next year before they have a chance to settle the score.
