The Columbus blue jacketThe ‘2022-23 campaign could get off to an ominous start.
Blue jacket star moving forward Patrick Laine left Wednesday’s season opener against Hurricane Carolina with what the team calls an upper-body injury.
Midway through the second half, Laine’s right arm appeared to be awkwardly sandwiched between Storm guard Brett Pesce and the goggles as the two chased a loose orb near the corner board.
Laine made an impressive start before leaving the game due to injury. Just 11 seconds into the second half, Laine scored the Blue Jackets’ first goal of the season, giving Columbus a 1-0 lead.
Laine’s second-stage goal was all the mistakes the Blue Jackets were able to muster on Wednesday night, as they eventually fell to the Hurricanes, 4-1.
The 24-year-old averaged one point per game in his first season with Columbus last year. He is third in the team in points (56), post 26 goals and 30 assists in 56 regular season games.
