Bjorkstrand's game growing in second season

In 19 games with the Cleveland Monsters this season, 21-year-old forward Oliver Bjorkstrand is on a mission to find his game and fulfill the potential that both he and Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella know he has.
Bjorkstrand was called up to Columbus last week and while he is traveling with the Blue Jackets, he's keeping tabs on his Monsters teammates as well, who crossed the .500 barrier earlier this week.

"I feel like we have a strong team down there and we can be better that what we've shown," Bjorkstrand told BlueJackets.com. "Guys are aware of their spots on the team now, what they have to do (within) the systems, so I believe it's coming together."
And Bjorkstrand's assessment may be proving true. The Monsters have won six of their last eight games, and will have the luxury of hosting four of their next five games at home at Quicken Loans Arena.
The team is also benefitting from the leadership of new head coach John Madden, who has maintained some synergies with the Blue Jackets systems, according to Bjorkstrand.
"Coach Madden has a lot of experience from playing in the NHL himself and winning Stanley Cups," Bjorkstrand said. "I feel like we can learn a lot from him and he brings a lot of extra knowledge to the table."
The other leadership constant? Captain Ryan Craig. Craig was a linchpin in the team culture last year as the Monsters earned their first Calder Cup Championship and he is once again taking on the responsibility of helping a group of young players gel -- including Bjorkstrand, who says Craig has spent time talking to him and wants him to focus on moving his game forward.
"He's a good leader," Bjorkstrand said. "He knows what to say to the guys and keep a team together. He's a huge part of the team if he plays 17 minutes or seven minutes. He's going to help out any way he can - he always proved that. He helps the team a lot."
For Bjorkstrand, who leads the Monsters in goals (8) and is fourth overall in points this season (12 points), the focus is to strengthen his game. After a shortened off-season due to the Calder Cup run and then international play with Denmark, Bjorkstrand wants to continue to get stronger and show off the offensive skill that has made him a threat in both the WHL and AHL at a young age.
"I want to show that I feel more confident with the puck and make the right decisions out there," Bjorkstrand said. "I want to create more in the offensive zone and be dangerous that way, and at the same time, not make big mistakes."