So, Torts, what would you like to see cleaned up?
“Pretty much about everything in our game,†Tortorella said. “I thought we had a good start in Jersey. I’ll put it into a general term: we don’t have a clue of how to handle momentum. I’m not talking X’s and O’s, I’m just talking about preparing and concentrating and understand what’s going on around you as far as the momentum of the game. Making simple plays.
"I’m not trying to take their sticks out of their hands – I want them to make plays – but I want them to understand what’s going on around them. We have to have some discipline. We have taken needless penalties…it’s inconceivable when we’re trying to fight and climb out of this hole.â€
Other stuff from the rink:
- The Blue Jackets juggled two of their forward lines today. Nick Foligno skated on a line with Ryan Johansen and Boone Jenner, while Brandon Saad was alongside Scott Hartnell and William Karlsson. Tortorella said the changes weren’t so much about getting individual players going or reuniting guys who have played well before, but just trying to find a spark for an offense that didn’t have much going on Wednesday.
“It’s getting another line playing instead of Dubi’s line,†Tortorella said. “I couldn’t find any of them (in New Jersey). We’re trying to see if we can ignite something. I’m not sure how long it’ll stay.â€
- Sergei Bobrovsky will start in goal. The Blue Jackets play the first leg of a back-to-back tonight and jet off to St. Louis for a game tomorrow at Scottrade Center, so there’s a chance Curtis McElhinney gets a start on the road.
- Justin Falk makes his season debut tonight and is likely to pair with Andrew Bodnarchuk. Dalton Prout, who Tortorella said has been struggling with his game of late, is a healthy scratch
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