2. Being puck hogs
Tortorella wants more puck possession that leads to better scoring opportunities. "We found a little bit in the Pittsburgh series we had to work so hard for our goals," he said. "We'd end up with eight or nine scoring chances and we'd get nothing. They'd get a rush and score off the rush on their first chance. That was a big part of that series. We're cognizant about keeping the puck. A big part of our identity, and it really grew throughout the season, was not being a safe team, expressing yourself offensively, but when we don't have the puck, be willing to do the stuff to get it back."
3. What about 'Bob'?
As good as Bobrovsky was in the regular season (41-17-5, 2.06 goals-against average, .931 save percentage), he was 1-4 with a 3.88 GAA and .882 save percentage in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. "That stings long inside of me," he said. "I don't like to lose and that's what motivates me." Tortorella said his confidence in him is unwavering. "I don't have a worry in the world about [Bobrovsky]," he said. "He was the best goaltender in the League last year. That wasn't a fluke. That's how well he played."
4. High goals, higher expectations
Columbus will try to avoid what happened the previous two times they made the playoffs: not qualifying the following season. "I'm not promising anything, but we know we're a better team than we were a couple of years ago," Foligno, the captain, said. "Hopefully we're a better team than we were last year just from the mental side of things."
5. Can Cam continue?
Atkinson, 28, led the Blue Jackets in scoring and set NHL career-highs in goals (35), assists (27) and points (62). He can become an unrestricted free agent July 1 and said if a new contract is not done before the season starts, talks will cease until it's over. "I don't want to worry about getting a phone call about it every two weeks," Atkinson said. "I want to worry about what I can do to help the team win, scoring goals, whatever that may be. I don't want the head games."
