TOTW Patrik Laine (90) Review

Let me start this bitch off by saying that a few nights ago I reviewed Crosby and Ovechkin and I implied that those might just be my favorite cards in the game. Well a day ago I got introduced to Patrik Laine's 90 overall card which of I was skeptic because I HATED his 89 overall. Don't get me wrong, I love the dude (I mean he's the future of hockey in my country) but that card was disgustingly slow and clunky and I don't know what they did with the new one but it might just be my new favorite thing on the planet. Can't wait for his TOTY.

###Patrik Laine

Synergies activated: 1T, B, TW

Line: (2nd line) Laine - Crosby - MOV McDavid (Full Team)

Stats

GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	PIM
16	12 (!)	9	21	+32	0

SKATING 8.5/10

On first try his skating seems like he's really slow. He looks like he's taking huge strides and like he's not getting anywhere, it's not till you actually have to race someone he surprisingly enough is able to smoke pretty much anyone above average skater. His acceleration is a bit low compared to his speed so it does take a while catch up to speed but I'll promise you just give him his time and he'll make it work. Agility is the best I've had with a guy this size (note: he's massive).

SHOOTING 9/10

Now this is a bit low for Patrik Laine but hear me out. The thing about his wrist shot is is that it's not accurate so it's not cut for sniping corners but his slapshot is on par with Ovechkin with a slight hit in accuracy, I absolutely adore it. His one-timer is fantastic thanks to his agility to get himself in a good position. You'll be scoring for days if you know how to properly use a slapper (I mean the guy's got 12 goals in 16 games, two hat tricks in that span!). He's honestly easier to use than Ovi.

HANDS 7.5/10

A big guy, big shot, good defensive stats, not that effective at deking... Starts to sound like a defenseman doesn't it? Well okay his deking is pretty good but kinda slow. But with his hands, agility and the size of his frame it's nearly impossible to nudge him off the puck. Plenty of breakaway goals for me so doesn't limit that either.

PHYSICAL 9/10

He's a biggie. He'll crush absolutely anyone. There's a bit to improve in receiving a hit but he's a very good powerforward-like guy. Just use his frame and agility to give yourself a shooting la(i)ne and we already talked about what he can do with that shot.

DEFENSE 10/10

Yeah so we all know it's an EA fuck-up that Patrik is a two-way forward. You've got to be insane to think that. But honestly I'm kinda happy they fucked up. He's got that shot and he doesn't let you down in the defensive end. No penalties so far (89 discipline) and stick checks/lifts for days. Nothing to complain about here.

###CONCLUSION

Okay okay, I might've overhyped him in the intro. His ratings aren't absolutely fantastic in every department. But when you add them all together he is an absolute machine. He has defensive attributes / big frame / mad shot / above average speed and VERY doable hands. My favorite card this year no doubt (little bit of bias). He might just take Ovi's spot on the 1st line.