Patrik Laine Scores in Canadiens Debut After Year-Long Absence

The Finnish winger returned from injury to help Montreal secure an overtime win against the Islanders, marking a fresh chapter in his NHL career.

Patrik Laine made his Montreal Canadiens debut on Tuesday, scoring a power-play goal in a 2-1 overtime victory against the New York Islanders.
This was Laine's first regular-season game in nearly a year, following a series of injuries and a stint in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program to focus on mental health.
Laine, acquired in an offseason trade with Columbus, missed the first 24 games of the season due to a knee sprain sustained during preseason play.
The 26-year-old winger's goal was met with a standing ovation from the Bell Centre crowd, highlighting his highly anticipated return to the ice.
Nick Suzuki scored the overtime winner, while goaltender Sam Montembeault made 30 saves to help Montreal end a two-game losing streak.