Martin St-Louis sent a strong message to his forward Patrik Laine last night. Against the Anaheim Ducks, the Finnish forward was benched completely during the third period, except for a single shift.

On the airwaves of BPM Sports earlier today, Gilbert Delorme seems to have identified a sequence that could explain MSL’s decision, or at least, what could have been the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Watch the Ducks’ second goal, scored by Frank Vatrano.

 

Look at what Patrik Laine does in this sequence.

Patrik Laine’s unacceptable action in the defensive zone, denounced by Gilbert Delorme

It is clear that Laine unfortunately dragging his feet during this sequence directly led to the Ducks’ goal.

«Listen, it’s on the goal.. the second goal, it’s pathetic!

The Ducks player goes past him, all he had to do was stay with him, follow him, skate.. He completely stops skating.»

– Gilbert Delorme, who still had a lot more to say about Laine this morning.

For all the details on what he had to say:

 

Honestly, I just hope everything can get back on track for Laine and that he can find an ideal role within this team.

We know he has incredible talent and we know he is capable of changing the course of a game with just one shot.

He simply needs to learn to become a bit more complete and a bit more consistent, especially at nearly nine million dollars a year.