The Columbus Blue Jackets are keenly aware of their place in the standings and their long-standing offensive drought. Day after day, the players are asked the same questions about their want, resolve, and desire.
It can be a constant cliche machine, but it doesn't necessarily mean that when the games aren't going well, you have to be down in the dumps. Speaking to the media on Monday, coach John Tortorella decided to highlight the good moments from Saturday's loss to the Islanders, and the negativity that could loom over the team was nowhere to be found.
One player in particular that received praise from Tortorella was forward Josh Anderson. Away from his regular linemates of Artemi Panarin and Pierre-Luc Dubois, Anderson is seeing different looks on the ice. His power-play goal was a catalyst for the Blue Jackets' strong start against the Islanders.
"I think the biggest part with Josh is for him to stay physical," Tortorella said. "He was around the puck (Saturday). So, I'm going to keep that line together, and I think with the other two guys with him (Brandon Dubinsky and Boone Jenner), I think that encourages that (physical) type of play."
It wasn't just Anderson that received praise. Cam Atkinson also got his fair share after his snipe against the Islanders. Coming back from injury, he is a primary reason why the Blue Jackets haven't been even more hard-pressed to score. He's got two goals in four games since coming back from a foot injury.
"That's what happens to offensive players when things start coming their way," Tortorella said. "They just feel more free. I don't want them to feel they have shackles on themselves. They've got to allow themselves to play, and let some good things happen for them."
The message of positivity and free-wheeling hockey may feel odd considering the losses, but a change is needed. It doesn't look like it will be in the coaching or player ranks, if it needs to come from anywhere, it will come inside the locker room.
Positivity may breed wins. Or, at least the Blue Jackets hope it will.
"I've got probably 35 [video] clips of good things we did last game," Tortorella said. "That's the most important thing for our team to see right now."
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