These are important times in a long season.
On one hand, the schedule makers were kind to the Blue Jackets in giving them a light January. They've had their bye week, now another four-day break between games, and after two games this week they're pausing for the NHL All-Star festivities.
There's definitely some resting and recharging being done (and also some fun, if you've followed John Tortorella's recent comments about "playing guilty"), but the coaching staff has an opportunity here, as well.
The Blue Jackets have not been sharp for a while now. Their game has slipped 5-on-5, their special teams are just OK, and they're treading water in what's become a brutal playoff race in the Metropolitan Division. With a busy schedule basically throughout the season and new rules mandating days off, there's limited practice time available.
When the opportunity arises, it's wise to take advantage.
After their 2-1 shootout win over Dallas last Thursday, the Blue Jackets practiced Friday and then headed out to Las Vegas early. They practiced twice in Las Vegas prior to tonight's game against the Golden Knights, and these weren't just any other practice: Tortorella said they're doing a lot more teaching and trying to capitalize on this lull in their schedule.
"We've covered pretty much our whole team concept, as far as with the puck and without the puck," Tortorella said after Monday's practice. "(The schedule) gave us a great opportunity to go over some stuff. The guys were attentive, they practiced hard, did a lot of battle drills...the three days plus the off day is very beneficial to us."
Tortorella knows they're walking into a hornet's nest tonight. The Golden Knights are nearly unbeatable at T-Mobile Arena (18-2-2), and the Blue Jackets want to be one of the few teams to add to the loss column.
"The building's just been fantastic for them," Tortorella said. "And rightfully so – they don't lose."
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