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Laine, Marner shine in another fun night for rookies

Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty

The NHL's leading goal scorer, Auston Matthews, and his winger William Nylander, were held off the scoreboard during another busy Thursday night - but hockey's rookie class still offered the fireworks we've enjoyed all season.

Instead, the spotlight shifted, and two other freshmen led teams to wins with their ridiculous offensive talents.

Laine

There's the violent torque of Alex Ovechkin, and there's the patience and precision of Patrik Laine.

Instantly becoming one of the game's most dominant stationary shooters, Laine scored nearly identical goals - his fifth and sixth of the season - in the Winnipeg Jets' win over the Dallas Stars.

Here's Laine's first, fired from a little farther out than his usual spot on the power play:

He crept in a bit with his second, but still kept his head up and used little to no wind up to locate the inside of the post.

Marner

Mitch Marner had his most productive night with the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers, earning an assist on all three goals.

We'll jump ahead to his second helper, when he displayed his entire attacking skill set. Marner pounced on a turnover in neutral ice and created a 2-on-1 opportunity after wheeling around the painted crest. After he kicked the puck back onto his stick, it immediately transferred to the blade of James van Riemsdyk, who converted in tight.

Marner's third really depends on how much credit you're willing to give him. But regardless, it's some highlight.

Turning back to collect the puck on a broken play, Marner swept it around his body and through the crease, somehow evading a maze of sticks and skates to land perfectly on Tyler Bozak's blade at the far post.

(Videos courtesy: NHL.com)

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