Yesterday was a shitty day.
If there’s one thing to glean from the horror that so many innocent people faced in Las Vegas, it’s the courage and love shown by complete strangers to other complete strangers, who did everything they could to help as many as they could.
Another senseless tragedy has claimed dozens of lives and shattered families in our country, but when in harm’s way, so many were willing to risk it all to do their part.
The human spirit was tested but ultimately prevailed. Hopefully, one day, this will stop.
SONNY SIDE UP
It’s looking increasingly likely that Sonny Milano will be on the Blue Jackets’ opening night roster.
Yes, the same Sonny Milano who had a solid year in the AHL last season (and made a playoff cameo in Columbus) but has battled maddening inconsistency, is on the cusp of cracking a lineup that put up 108 points and 50 wins. It’s unlikely as all hell but a good sign for the program being assembled by John Davidson and Jarmo Kekalainen; the Blue Jackets lost over 100 points of scoring over the summer but believe they can effectively reload with talented young players who are ready to push the envelope.
Milano is one, Oliver Bjorkstrand is another, Pierre-Luc Dubois is right there.
John Tortorella made a comment last week that Milano “has to listen” when coaches talk about his defensive play. He’s talented enough to be a full-time NHL player. His play “without the puck,” as we often hear Tortorella say, has needed work. This training camp has brought change in Milano for the better and he’s a virtual lock to be on the opening night roster.
Good for the kid, too. He’s earned it.
LONG TERM TORTS?
We’ve heard a lot about Sergei Bobrovsky and Cam Atkinson and Zach Werenski and Artemi Panarin, all of whom are eligible for contract extensions at the conclusion of the season (in Atkinson’s case, he’s eligible right now). Their head coach, coming off the second Jack Adams Award of his career, is deserving of a longer contract himself.
After a one-year extension signed this summer, the 59-year-old Tortorella is tied to the Blue Jackets through 2018-19. In all likelihood, he got a significant pay bump over his previous deal.
"Accountability is a nice word to use in the summertime."– John Tortorella
But what if the Blue Jackets are good again? What if they advance beyond the first round? Tortorella is almost certainly in line for a longer, more lucrative deal and it’s a bit surprising that wasn’t agreed to a few months ago.
The Blue Jackets haven’t been the same — on the ice or off — since Tortorella took over. He’s gone to great lengths to eradicate entitlement in the locker room and institute an honest, merit-based culture. You work your ass off, you get rewarded. You shit the bed, you’ll hear about it.
Many coaches talk about accountability. Tortorella says “it’s a nice word to use in the summertime,” which is one of my favorite Torts-isms. He’s right. How many bullshit introductory press conferences have you seen where coaches and managers talk about accountability? Guess what: the walk doesn’t get walked all that often. “It doesn’t matter who you are or what you make” is fantasy land for some organizations, but the Blue Jackets have become living proof that it can happen.
Ryan Johansen? Have a seat. Scott Hartnell? You too. Brandon Saad? Watch a few shifts and get a reminder of what you’re supposed to do.
In the earlier days of their existence, entitlement followed the Blue Jackets around like a bad cold. Tortorella has given entitlement a handful of Tylenol and told it to get the fuck out of town.
"IT'S TIME FOR THE JEDI...TO END"
I love Star Wars. I probably love Star Wars more than most things in my life (sorry, mom and dad!)
I’m kidding.
The Force Awakens ignited a childlike excitement that reminded of what it was like to watch the original trilogy back in the 1990s when it was digitally remastered. I think I watched Return of the Jedi about 300 times in one summer alone. I saved up my allowance and money from mowing lawns to buy as many Star Wars books as I could, and I read nearly every one I could find.
Rumor has it we’re a few days away from the full-length trailer for The Last Jedi, which is expected to air during next Monday’s NFL game on ESPN. I don’t even know who’s playing in the game but it doesn’t matter — this feels like the best Star Wars movie ever and I haven’t even seen it yet. There are so many questions!
Who is Rey? Where is she from?
Who the hell is Snoke and why does he wear gold slippers?
Is Kylo Ren going to redeem himself and join the Resistance?
Okay, I’ll stop. This has been “talking Star Wars with Rob.” See you tomorrow.
YOU SHOULD BE READING...
- Didn't hear? Josh Anderson signed!
- Welcome to the show, Pierre-Luc Dubois.
- A lot of teams would love to have Ryan Murray.
- Artemi Panarin is a badass.
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