Bjorkstrand scores three in loss
The Penguins’ Sidney Crosby tries to bring the puck up the ice as the Blue Jackets’ Vitaly Abramov, left, and Eric Robinson defend during the second period.
had 11 goals and 40 points last season.
“He can just shoot the puck,” Tortorella said. “He changes angles so quickly with his stick. That’s there. He’s got that God-given talent. The big step for him is just to keep on growing physically, keep on learning the other part of the game and keep playing.”
Tortorella said he can see Bjorkstrand playing on a line with center Alexander Wennberg and left wing Nick Foligno to start the regular season. Tortorella also offered the usual provisos (“but then it falls on to the player, too … but I have to make decisions accordingly as far as other guys, too.”) Murray on the shelf
Tortorella said defenseman Ryan Murray, who was kicked in the groin area during an exhibition Tuesday, will be out indefinitely.
“We just have to be careful with that,” Tortorella said. “It’s going to be a little bit of time with him. I don’t have a full report where it stands, but that’s not a day-to-day thing right now.”
Disa and data
Joonas Korpisalo started in goal and played 32 minutes. He allowed four goals on 30 shots. Jean-Francois Berube finished. He allowed three goals on eight shots. … One Jacket who looked good: center Brandon Dubinsky, whose 2017-18 season was marred by injuries, poor play and off-ice intrigue (he was sent home from a trip for “personal reasons.”) Tortorella said, “It’s no secret where he stands. I think he’s trying to make a statement (about) where he wants to be. As we keep on playing the games, we’ll see where it all falls out.”