My summer training didn't change that much compared to previous years. I tried to gain more speed and strength, but other than that, same old. No tricks, just hard work. I felt I needed to improve in those areas.

I lost about 13 pounds during the summer, mostly because of giving up sweets. I'm not saying I quit them altogether, you can reward yourself every now and then, of course, but not every day. I now feel the difference on and off the ice, especially when skating. I'm lighter and faster, and so far it's been really good

Video: VAN@WPG: Laine rips one-timer for power-play goal

There's always a certain feeling of excitement in the beginning of the season, no matter if you're a rookie or a veteran of fifteen years. You always have butterflies in your stomach, and it's great to get the season going. I guess everyone knows I love scoring goals, and it's great and kind of a relief to have the first goal as soon as possible (a goal and an assist on Oct. 4th against St. Louis Blues). It's much easier to play once you've scored the first one. My game hasn't been what I had hoped for since that evening, but hopefully things will get better.

I have no specific goals for this season. As long as I'm a better player year after year, I'm fine. Hopefully I will produce more this season and help my team in any way I can to win. It's always team first. That's all I'm hoping for. Personal awards will come, if you just keep on working hard for your team.

We have a good and young team again this season, and the core didn't change much. Of course I was sad to see Jope (Joel Armia) go, but it's nice to have a young Finn (rookie Kristian Vesalainen, on the roster. It's always great to see a young player succeed, and Kristian has started the season well. He knows exactly what to do, so he doesn't need any advice from me. But I keep telling him to enjoy every day, because it's a huge privilege to be an NHL player. We're roommates on the road, at least for now. (Editors note: Vesalainen was sent to Manitoba of the American Hockey League on Friday).

As a team we have one goal and one goal only: to win the Stanley Cup. We came so close last season (loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final). I think winning the Cup is a realistic goal for us; we have all it takes to win. And we know why we work hard every day. Last season was a disappointment, but that's behind us, and now we have a new chance. Hopefully we will do better this season.

Video: CAR@WPG: Laine one-times Wheeler's feed for PPG

We have one more year under our belts, and we know better, what it takes to win the Cup. Same goes for me. I know what it's like to play in the playoffs. You have to be able to play one short series after another. If you can't stay in the flow and lose your touch, the series will pretty soon be over - trust me, I know, that's what happened to us least season.

I still need to improve my all-around game, and I'm confident it will happen. Same goes for the whole team. We will be better as the season goes on. Talk about the season going forward, can't wait to play the 2018 Global Series games in Helsinki, Finland (against the Florida Panthers) in early November. It's once in a lifetime thing. Just great.