Columbus Blue Jackets Must Adapt To John Tortorella's Pace

By William Chase
Jackets Learning To Pick Up Pace Under Tortorella
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Coach John Tortorella might have gotten his first wake-up call regarding just how much he can demand of his players. He has worn out his welcome in the past with regards to the physical demand he has of players, and how much he can push them.

On the heels of Saturday’s Columbus Blue Jackets win over the Colorado Avalanche, the Jackets had a 47-minute practice Monday, and the result of that translated to heavy legs Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils. The heavy legs might speak to an anemic offensive output of just 14 shots on net.

However they won 3-1.

I spoke to this game being the best game the Jackets had put together this season. Honestly it was probably the worst. Sergei Bobrovsky had his best game. But as ugly as it looked, the Jackets scored three in the third. It was their first game all season in which they won by more than a goal.

It was just their second win.

As ugly as things looked during Columbus’ eight-game skid, the fact that this win over New Jersey wasn’t necessarily their best game speaks volumes. It speaks to Bobrovsky’s level of play, who’s seemingly starting to figure it out again.

Through six losses he featured an ugly 4.72 GAA, .840 SA%. Over his last two games which were wins, he has a 2.00 GAA, .931 SA%.

Tort’s practice-session Monday apparently brings to surface a greater possible concern that they’re out of shape.

“I don’t think anybody can say we’re out of shape,” Jarmo Kekäläinen said in response to the matter. The Jackets, who have played 10 games in 19 days, now work under a coach known for tough practices. They must pace themselves and not run out of gas.

“We’re going to play with tempo. We’re going to practice with pace,” Tortorella has preached.

It’s only been three games under Tortorella and hopefully the more they practice and play under him, the more prepared the team will be in March and April. If they’re going to be a playoff team, they have to be able to keep their legs under them.

William Chase is a New York Yankees and Columbus Blue Jackets writer for www.RantSports.comFollow him on Twitter @William_Chase88 “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on LinkedIn and Google.

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