Late slump frustrating for rookie Laine

Patrik Laine skated to the bench at Monday’s Winnipeg Jets practice and angrily banged his hockey stick on the boards.

The rookie sniper is in a scoring slump as the Jets, missing the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons, prepare for their final three games.

“Of course it’s frustrating, you just can’t score,” Laine said. “It’s hard right now, to be honest.”

One month ago the 18-year-old Finnish forward was a front-runner in the NHL rookie-scoring race. But in his last 11 games he has just two goals and one assist. In the previous 11 outings, he notched 16 points, including nine goals.

Heading into Monday night, Laine was second in rookie scoring with 34 goals and 62 points in 70 games. He missed eight games with a concussion and one from illness.

He’s surrounded on the stats sheet by players from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who faced the Sabres in Buffalo Monday night.

Auston Matthews entered the game atop rookie scoring with 38 goals and 66 points in 77 games. William Nylander was third with 22 goals and 59 points in 76 games and Mitchell Marner had 18 goals and 59 points in 72 outings.

“They’re playing well, so it’s good for them,” Laine said. “I’m just focusing on this team and what are we doing here as a team and how can we improve our game still and just how can I be better every night.”

Laine played in last year’s World Cup, world championship, attended Jets camp and was at the NHL all-star game.

“That’s a real grind,” linemate Mathieu Perreault said. “I think he’s handled himself well for an 18-year-old.”

Laine has always had his mom or dad living with him in Winnipeg, which has added to his special year.

“It was a lot of fun and I’m going to have so many great memories about this season,” he said. “Hopefully, I can be better next year and get some more great memories.”