Bjorkstrand’s play vs. Wings draws praise from Tortorella
Second-year forward Oliver Bjorkstrand logged a season-high 19 minutes, 20 seconds in the Blue Jackets’ win at Detroit on Saturday, mostly due to his assertiveness on both ends. It brought praise from coach John Tortorella in Monday’s film session.
“He checked,” Tortorella said. “Funny things happen when you check and the puck kind of comes your way, bounces your way. I thought it was a total turnaround in the game for him.
“He’s a goal-scorer, he’s got a big-league shot. But he’s got to learn the other part of the game, too.”
After recording an assist on Artemi Panarin’s goal in the Blue Jackets’ 2-1 shootout win over the Red Wings on Saturday, Bjorkstrand has five points over his last six games after posting six in his first 12.
Wennberg out; Dalpe on IR
Blue Jackets center Alexander Wennberg did not travel to Montreal after sitting out practice Monday at the Ice Haus.
“He’s been nicked up,” Tortorella said.
Center Zac Dalpe, who has missed the past three games, was placed on injured reserve. Forward Jordan Schroeder, who has five points in nine games with minorleague Cleveland, was called up.
Losing Wennberg stings as it breaks up the most effective forward line against the Red Wings. Wennberg, Panarin and Bjorkstrand combined on the Blue Jackets’ only regulation goal, 1:07 into the game.
“It was one of the better lines in the game in generating some offense and having the puck,” Tortorella said.
Quebec homecomings
Quebec natives PierreLuc Dubois and David Savard are returning to their home province for a game Tuesday night at the Montreal Canadiens.
The experience will be especially significant for rookie forward Dubois, who expects about 15 friends and family members to attend his first NHL game at the Bell Centre.
“I don’t think I’m going to be nervous,” Dubois said. “It’s fun, it’s in Montreal, my friends and family are going to be there. I think it’s just another game, another game that I need to play well and we’ll get two points. It’s going to be special to play in Montreal, but it’s like every other game.”
Dubois practiced Monday at center and said he’ll play there Tuesday.