from Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun,

The coach moved Laine down to the fourth line after a rough first period saw the 18-year-old on the ice for two Minnesota goals, the second coming directly off a Laine giveway.

The move had Jets nation positively frothing at the mouth, and Maurice didn't mind having some fun with it.

“Pat's been sent down to the minors today,” Maurice began, his tongue firmly in his cheek. “He's been returned to the Moose.”

Putting on his serious face, Maurice pointed out Laine's average ice time remains near the top among NHL rookies.

“He played 13 minutes,” the coach said. “It's the same amount of time as the two guys who scored all four of their goals. He had a rougher night. That's going to happen. I also know what he's going to mean to this franchise.

“If I shaved three minutes off his game, I apologize to Manitoba.”

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