The Columbus Blue Jackets didn't play a perfect game, but managed to defeat the New York Rangers 4-3 on the second half of a back-to-back.
With the win, the club has won nine games in a row.
Here's the reaction from John Tortorella and company:
John Tortorella
On Artemi Panarin: "He's a hell of a player. (The second goal) it's a goal-scorer's goal. He's done it all year. That's who he is. He's a big part of making big plays for team's to win games. We're certainly happy we've got him."
On Panarin's ability to break games open: "It's a key thing. The teams that end up being there at the end of the year have a game-breaker. A guy that relishes being in those situations, a guy that wants the puck in key situations. We're fortunate we have one, and I think everybody looks to him and follows him. It's really important for us."
On Markus Nutivaara: "Nuti's played really very well. Again, like I told you guys, he's playing like he says 'I'm a National Hockey Leaguer', I'm not just going to try to get through games, he's trying to take control of games. He's just so much more confident with the puck. So that's important when you have a guy like (Seth) Jones out."
On the winning streak: "We got through tonight's game, found a way to get two points, and now we'll just worry about the next game; nothing else. Just one day at a time. I hope it's a team maturing. I do think at the deadline some of the guys we brought in have really helped us in understanding those types of situations and also have played very well on the ice. I mean Testy (Mark Letestu) wins two huge faceoffs there at the end. I'm happy they're happy about tonight's game, they'll forget about that in their day off and get ready for Florida on the following day."
Nick Foligno
On the game: "We obviously made it hard on ourselves again tonight. Just some penalties, some plays. That's a talented team over there, they'll make you pay if you allow them to. I'm proud of our win, we get some timely goals, Bread was obviously magnificent tonight. But we can't make it that hard on ourselves going forward here."
On the successful road trip: "We're finding ways to win, different ways, different nights. We just want to cut down on those little self-inflicted things, with the way our game's gone. But man, we've gotta be proud, that's a tough road trip to come into, and get two big wins. We've gotta be proud of how we got four points in a time where we really need it."
On Artemi Panarin's game: "He's our game-breaker. He's a guy that makes a difference every time he steps on the ice. We're really proud of the way he's come in here and helped us. It's made a big difference, so I can't say enough good things about him and what he's meant to our club."
Artemi Panarin
(Note: through a translator)
On his success against the Rangers: "It was the same luck again today; I would love to play against the Rangers every day."
On his ability to play without Patrick Kane: "I miss Patrick Kane as well, however, what's done is done, and I'm happy that I landed on a good team. And I'm happy the season is going as it is right now."
On how much fun he's been having during this season/win-streak: "I'm enjoying every moment. The crew is young, and it brings some energy. I don't know what percentage I'm enjoying it, but so far, so good."
On his second goal, where the puck was sitting there with no whistle: "I was mad at Cam (Atkinson). Please shoot it for once, and then I'm very grateful that the referee probably didn't see and was behind the goalie, and so that helped us."
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
