The Blue Jackets kicked off their Sunshine State swing last night in Sunrise, taking down the Florida Panthers by a final score of 7-3. The power play got rolling (finally) with two goals, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Josh Anderson had big games and Tyler Motte scored his second goal in as many games with the team.
Here's what the players and head coach John Tortorella had to say following the win.
John Tortorella
On his team’s performance: "For me, it was just how quick we played. We didn’t make many D-to-D plays, our transition game was fast, it was direct, it gave us a chance to play. Tonight’s game was probably the most we played under the hash mark all year long."
On the power play: "You guys will ask the questions I’m sure, but it was good to get a couple [of goals]."
On Josh Anderson: "To me, the potential he has – and potential’s a very dangerous word – he has everything. I’ve given him some power play time now. Eventually, I think he’s going to be one of our penalty killers. It’s up to him, if he continues to work on his game, there’s no limit to what he can become. I think he has a level of confidence now, too, that’s really helping him, he’s just letting himself play."
Tyler Motte
On the game: "Still want to continue to get better in all aspects of the ice. As a team, I don’t think we got off to the start we wanted to, which happens on the road, but we’ll take our points, we’ll learn from it and we’ll be better."
On the slow start: "After that first five minutes, we got to our game, we got in on the forecheck, we were able to get that cycle going and put more pucks on the net, and I think when we’re doing that, we’re at our best."
Boone Jenner
On his deflected goal: "It was a great shot by Bread so I was just lucky to get a piece of it, but it’s good to chip in offensively."
On the road trip: "Obviously coming down here, you’re looking for the two points. Same thing in Tampa, business-like going in there on Saturday. We know they’re a good team, especially at home. Same mentality, we don’t have to be flashy, so we just have to get in there and do our job on the road."
Oliver Bjorkstrand
On having hot streaks: "Maybe in professional hockey, juniors not really, but that’s obviously a different type of hockey. I’m trying to be consistent and have more games like that."
On his first goal: "They tied the game up on that shorty and we needed a goal, so it was nice that we could find a way to get the puck in the net."
On his second goal: "It feels good, I’ve been talking about moving my feet and I feel like that was what I was doing there, I just kept going, and they gave me some ice I could take advantage of and I got a shot on net. I’ve gotta keep going in that direction and keep on doing stuff like that."
On picking up Bob: "It’s nice obviously, it’s always good for a team when you see different guys scoring different goals, so it’s a good sign."
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
