The Columbus Blue Jackets have notched a sixth straight win with a 5-3 decision over the Philadelphia Flyers. With the victory, they are now tied for third in the Metropolitan Division and hold a four-point playoff cushion. Here's the postgame thoughts from John Tortorella and company.
John Tortorella
On the third period play: "Early on it looked like it was gonna get away from us a little bit, but I thought we settled down and played really well protecting the middle of the ice. [Sergei Bobrovsky] had to make a couple key saves at key times, we blocked shots, I liked the way we played."
On Bobrovsky: "He played really well. And it's gotta happen for us to win games goin' down the stretch."
On Cam Atkinson's recent offensive resurgence: "[He's played well with Artemi] Panarin and [Pierre-Luc Dubois], I think it's helped him to get going offensively. I think he looks quicker. When ya notice Cam, he's darting, the past couple games he's brought pucks to the net, he's been in the areas."
On expectations from last season affecting this one: "[Last year we were a] 108-point team, and then you have to play with expectations. It's different playing with expectations versus an underdog team with a chip on their shoulder.
"We're learning lessons along the way as a young team and finding ways to get some points here of late."
On sending Dubois to take a late defensive zone faceoff: "We struggled the second half of the game with faceoffs, I was trying different people. [Brad Larsen] gave me the numbers and we went with Luc."
On what's contributed to the winning streak: "I think the biggest thing is that we've just concentrated on each and every day, and just tried to play simple and straight ahead hockey."
On Atkinson's development: "I think he's matured. We put him on a different spot in the power play, I think that's helped him with touches."
Sonny Milano
On his line clicking: "We're having fun together."
On his confidence away from the puck: "It's huge for me. I gotta know I can play defense."
On the locker room feeling: "Felt like a playoff game out there, and obviously the boys are goin' crazy after the game. Huge win for us, but we got eleven more now.
