Injury could keep Bobrovsky out again

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Already dealing with an injury to defenseman Ryan Murray, the Blue Jackets are now juggling a health concern in net.

Sergei Bobrovsky returned to practice Saturday at the University of British Columbia’s Father Bauer Arena, but there’s no guarantee he will start Sunday night against the Vancouver Canucks.

“I felt better, but let’s see (Sunday) morning, how it is in the morning, and we’ll decide then,” said Bobrovsky, 30, who was scratched Thursday at Edmonton because of an upper-body injury. “It was bothering me for a few days, maybe a couple weeks. It’s just not getting better. It’s worse. And I don’t believe I can help (the) team in this condition.”

He has certainly helped the Blue Jackets the past couple of months.

Since the start of February, Bobrovsky is 12-7-0 with a 2.20 goals-against average and .924 save percentage— including 4-2-0 with a 1.66 goals-against average, blistering .946 save percentage and one 46-save shutout in his past six games.

He has dealt with a long-term injury in the past, though, and has learned that pushing through the pain isn’t in anybody’s best interests.

“I have experience, I know my body,” Bobrovsky said. “So, you want to go out there and put the gear (on) and help the team to win the game, (but) if there’s any concern or I don’t feel like I can help, then I think it’s not fair to put the gear on and force things.”

Backups Joonas Korpisalo and Keith Kinkaid also practiced, splitting the net as usual.

Missing Foligno

Captain Nick Foligno missed the first three games of the trip because of an undisclosed personal issue and could miss the finale Sunday. His absence is felt throughout the team.

“It’s a big deal, but there are bigger priorities in life,” said defenseman Seth Jones, who has kept in touch with Foligno by phone. “When you have kids and a family, that always comes first. We don’t want him to be here with everything that’s going on, but he’s definitely a voice in the room, he’s the leader of this team and he runs the ship.”

Wrapping up

Coach John Tortorella said the Blue Jackets would reset their focus by dining together Saturday. “We’re going to have a dinner tonight as a team, sit down as a group and have dinner,” he said. “Have a beer together and get ready to play our next game.” … Scott Harrington and Brandon Dubinsky were the only two players on the trip who didn’t practice. Each did off-ice training in a gym that overlooked the rink.

bhedger@dispatch.com @Brianhedger