Laine lands critical hit on Canucks over ‘Fortnite’ flap

Patrik Laine is known for having a killer shot both on the ice and in the hit video game “Fortnite.” Turns out, the Winnipeg Jets sniper can be just as deadly with his words.

A day after Vancouver forward Bo Horvat said the Canucks have instituted a “Fortnite” ban for road games this upcoming season, there was talk across NHL arenas on whether or not it was fair to single out the popular online battle royale as a focus destroying distraction.

While some players debated the game’s relative merits, Laine took an opportunity to land a critical hit on a Western Conference rival.

“I think they just needed something to blame after last year,” Laine said, an obvious shot at the Canucks’ dismal 3140-11 record from the 2017-18 season. “And we kind of made a deal if we’re playing like that, we can give up our Play-Stations so we’re not going to take them on the road. But I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

Canucks forward Jake Virtanen took exception to Laine’s comments.

When asked about the Winnipeg’s star’s words at Vancouver’s morning skate on Wednesday, Virtanen said, “Whatever. I don’t really care what he says.”

Virtanen says “Fortnite” hasn’t been an issue for the Canucks.

“I just think that where we want to go with our team, anything we can do to get better, that’s a stepping stone. You can only go up from last year . ... We want to be focused all the time when we come to the rink but have fun at the same time. But it’s all business here.”