Wheeler on Laine own goal: 'Hate to see a guy feel that way after a game'
It was the first real blemish on an outstanding rookie campaign.
Winnipeg Jets rookie sensation Patrik Laine put another puck in the net Sunday night; unfortunately it was into his own, proving to be the game-winner for the opposing Edmonton Oilers.
Related: Laine unthinkably fires rebound into own net
The goal left the 18-year-old visibly distraught, but luckily for the youngster, his captain has his back.
"He's 18 years old, he feels terrible," Blake Wheeler said, according to NHL.com's Derek Van Diest. "These things happen. I've done it many times. It's just a bad bounce. He's done a (heck) of a job for us this year. You just hate to see a guy feel that way after a game."
Following the game, Laine admitted he was simply trying to clear the puck from in front of the net, which one could argue he succeeded in doing.
"I kind of tried to get rid of the puck right away," Laine said. "It was just a bad position for me. An unfortunate goal."
Laine shouldn't lose too much sleep over the mistake. A simple look at the NHL goal-scoring race should make him feel better.