WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Is Paul Maurice sabotaging Patrik Laine's shot at the Calder Trophy?
Winnipeg Jets fans sure think so. The coach is under fire online and on radio talk shows for keeping his 18-year-old rookie on the bench in key situations, particularly on power plays, in favor of lesser lights who have no chance of winning any end-of-season awards.
When the Jets play host to the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, Laine will try to burnish his credentials for the league's rookie-of-the-year honor.
Laine has fallen to second among all rookie scorers with 34 goals and 61 points.