WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Winnipeg Jets fans are hoping Tuesday night's benching of Patrik Laine will light a fire under the Finnish rookie sensation and his teammates as they try to get back in the playoff hunt.
Jets coach Paul Maurice demoted Laine to the fourth line shortly after his first-period giveaway led to the Minnesota Wild's second goal -- he finished the night minus three -- en route to a 3-0 lead and a 4-2 win.
The 18-year-old logged just 12 minutes and 58 seconds of ice time, his lowest total of the season, on 16 shifts.