"Look like a season ender" "Dirty Leafs players": NHL fans react to Patrik Laine's exit after collision with Cedric Pare

Fans reacted as Saturday's preseason game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs saw forward Patrik Laine exit the game after a collision with Leafs forward Cedric Pare.

The incident occurred in the first period as Laine entered the offensive zone on a Montreal powerplay. He received a knee-on-knee hit from Pare that immediately dropped him to the ice in pain, clutching his left knee.

Laine had to be helped off the ice by teammates, avoiding putting weight on his left leg. The Canadiens later announced that he won't return to the game. Fans on social media reacted strongly to the play that injured Laine, with one saying:

"Thank look like a season ender"

Another called out:

"Dirty Leafs players," accusing Pare of making an intentionally dirty play.

Here are some more fan reactions:

"Gotta love the response next time pare stepped onto the ice !!! Lmaooo idk how to spell the Canadian players name that just chucked punches with his gloves on at pare but that was exciting lolll," one fan wrote on X.

"That was brutal hope he's ok, knee injuries r the worst," another fan wrote.

"Don’t start full lineups against players trying to make the team stupid by both organizations horrible result," a user commented.

"MCL/ACL tear by the look of it. Just sucks for him. I’m okay with another bottom feeder year, but I hate this for Laine," another user commented.

The hit also sparked retaliation from Laine's teammate Arber Xhekaj, who went after Pare soon after and delivered several punches while Pare was down on the ice. Xhekaj received 27 minutes in penalties and a game misconduct for his actions.

Eventually, the Maple Leafs went on to win Saturday's preseason matchup 2-1.

---

NHL analyst Frank Corrado on Patrik Laine's injury

NHL analyst Frank Corrado weighed in on Patrik Laine's injury and what it means for the Montreal Canadiens. Speaking to TSN, Corrado called the injury:

"It is devastating for Partick Laine, and it is potentially devastating for the Montreal Canadiens because this was the big swing that your team made.”

He explained that Patrik Laine was the big offseason acquisition for the Canadiens, a player with immense offensive potential who brings something different than Montreal's current forwards.