Thomas Vanek's first week as a Blue Jacket has been...underwhelming.
In five games since the trade deadline, the Blue Jackets have won three times and thrown away two games they hope don't come back to haunt them. But importantly for John Tortorella, they've added pieces that balance the lineup and added needed depth for the final stretch.
Vanek, however, hasn't been able to find a home yet.
Ian Cole has settled in with David Savard and Mark Letestu is finding his niche as the utility guy (no surprise there). Vanek is set to play another game tonight with Alexander Wennberg as his center, and really, it's the only line that hasn't found a groove over the last few games. Tortorella likes his No. 1 line – please, John, don't change it – and also the trio of Nick Foligno, Sonny Milano and Oliver Bjorkstrand.
He can use his fourth line, now comprised of Matt Calvert, Brandon Dubinsky and Letestu, in a variety of defensive situations. But Boone Jenner, Wennberg and Vanek have been hit-and-miss, notably Vanek who's play hasn't been all that good since joining the Blue Jackets.
"I'm hoping (Wennberg and Vanek) can get a little work together," Tortorella said this morning. "You see it in spurts. I's Wennberg's line that I'm hoping works, because then I don't have to rob from Peter to pay Paul and try to get a little balance with my other three."
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