CLEVELAND — The Columbus Blue Jackets are enjoying the kind of support they have never seen before, and it is because they are doing something never done before in franchise history, winning in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Blue Jackets are bound for the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time ever after their historic sweep of the NHL’s best regular-season team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, in the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
During the first-round series and since the Game 4 victory last Tuesday, the Blue Jackets have felt plenty of support from the Columbus community.
“I think the coolest thing was from the moment I stepped in this city, the support that you felt from people and how nice everyone’s been and welcoming into the city, whether it’s me or my wife,” said center Matt Duchene following a recent practice.
“I’ve said it many times. The passion of this city is incredible and something you don’t really know until you’re here. That Game 4, that was the loudest building I’ve ever played in, so that was pretty awesome.”
Despite the extended hiatus, the Blue Jackets have used the time to rest, sharpen their skills in practice and get in a competitive environment with Monday’s team-wide scrimmage at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.
Despite it being a Monday morning, the Blue Jackets played the scrimmage in front of more than 5,500 fans, who were admitted to the event on the suggestion of general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.
“I think it’s great,” Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella said of the support. “Players are performers. They like to play in front of people. They like to put on a show. Some guys are trying to put on a little bit too much of a show, but I knew that would happen. I think it’s a win-win. I’m just shocked to see 5,200 people here. Does anybody work or is this a holiday?
“It’s great for our guys to see the support. I’m glad our guys -- I wasn’t sure what they were going to do at the end there -- I’m glad they acknowledged the people before they left the ice. It’s great for the city. I’m excited to be part of a city that is so behind us here, and I hope we perform well for them.”
Tortorella has gained quite a heightened appreciation for the support of the Columbus community since the first-round win over the Lightning, and he has embraced the love the Blue Jackets faithful have shown him in recent days.
That includes the fans who have driven up to the gate at Tortorella’s home and the veteran coach has shared meaningful conversations with them.
“Any time they need from me in that type of situation, I have for them because I think it’s tremendous,” Tortorella said. “As I’ve said from the get-go, my wife and family, we love it here. The people have been so good to us.
“We were able to talk. That meant a lot. I think some people would feel indignant. Now, I’m not inviting everybody over my house right now, but it was emotional for me, too, to see how much they care. That’s a big part of it, being involved in that type of situation.
“I’m glad we’re getting the opportunity here. Not so much for me. I experienced it, but for the players and the people that have been here forever and gone through some tough times as the organization has tried to find its way. Step by step, we’re trying to gain a little respect.”