The Blue Jackets Have Several Players Battling Illness and Creating Uncertainty Before Tonight's Game Against the Red Wings

By Sam Blazer on April 3, 2018 at 10:15 am
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The Columbus Blue Jackets have three games remaining before a hopeful playoff run.

They have been hot as of late (12-1-1 over their last 14 games), and it has come while the team has been healthy. That streak of good health may be coming to a quick end. 

Multiple Blue Jackets sat out Monday's practice at the OhioHealth Ice Haus, and Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella let it be known that it was more precautionary than anything.

"We just have a little bit of sickness running through the team," said Tortorella during his post-practice media availability. "If they didn't skate today, they'll probably skate tomorrow. We're just using these two days to get ready for the game."

Defenseman Seth Jones and forward Artemi Panarin highlighted the list of players missing. It becomes a fascinating line for Tortorella to walk as he needs these wins for playoff positioning but he also doesn't want to lose them long-term. The playoffs loom, and they'll need every player on hand.

"One practice is plenty," Tortorella said. "It's been running through the team, so we tried to get guys out of here that were sick or just not feeling well. Hopefully get another day in them and skate in the morning."

As the Blue Jackets hope to clinch against the Detroit Red Wings, Tortorella's mind is not trying to live in the future. He is trying to live in the now. He was asked multiple times about positioning for the playoffs or even about parity in the NHL. 

Tortorella's answer remained the same throughout: "I'm happy we're going to play a game tomorrow (against the Detroit Red Wings) that means something."

A simple and effective way to tell everyone from players to media that they're taking it one game at a time.

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