Quote:
Originally Posted by Samuelsson
I really hope so. If not, the next person with the best chance has to be Laine.
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IMO I don't think Laine has a chance. He's already well behind OV at the same point in their careers.
After 3 seasons, Laine has seasons of 36, 44 and on pace for 59 goals = 139 goals.
After 3 seasons, OV had seasons of 52, 46, 65 goals = 163 goals.
Already he is behind, and if OV isn't going to make it, neither is Laine. Does Laine have a couple 60 goal seasons in order to make up the difference? OV has 7 50+ goal seasons, and seasons of 46 and 49 goals. I've never believed Laine to be at the same level as OV. Sure he's probably as close as there is these days to being on the same level. But he's still a tier below.
However OV is also on pace to have his best goal scoring season of his career (74). If he can somehow pot 60, and by some miracle (the miracle of miracles) get 70, I think he has a shot. Scoring 60+ would help his case down the road when he starts to slow down.
It doesn't get said enough just how amazing it is to be a hockey fan during this era, and getting to witness IMO the best goal scorer of all time play the game at this level. It's truly special to witness.