NHL News: Blue Jackets and Jets victorious after trade, Dubois and Laine speak, plus highlights of last night’s action
Anthony Scultore
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In the aftermath of the trade, both the Jackets and Jets were going into their games last night missing big stars. They came out victorious anyway.
RELATED: DUBOIS TRADED FOR LAINE AND ROSLOVIC
NHL Scores: Jackets and Jets victorious after trade
The Blue Jackets (2-2-2) were led by their captain Nick Foligno to a 5-2 win over the Lightning (3-1). After the game Foligno was very forthcoming about the distraction the Pierre-Luc Dubois situation caused.
“It just puts the focus back on what matters and that’s winning hockey games. I think that’s what was most frustrating about it.,” he said. “He (Dubois) wasn’t giving us the brand of hockey we expect out of every guy.”
Over in Winnipeg, the Jets (4-1) handed the Senators (1-3-1) a 6-3 thrashing on the strength of a balanced attack with six different goal scorers. “Different guys are stepping up every night so that’s kind of helped out a little bit, taking pressure off certain guys when other guys are scoring,” Paul Stastny said after the win.
In other action, the Canadiens (3-0-2) continue to score goals and pounced on the hapless Canucks (2-5) 5-2. The Bruins (3-1-1) unloaded on the Flyers 6-1 (3-2-1) on the strength of 2 goals apiece by Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. And finally, the Blues (3-1-1) defeated the Kings (1-2-2) 4-2.
NHL News: Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois speak after the trade
Two young stars have traded places and there’s already talk about if they will be happy in their new homes. At least it sounds like Patrik Laine is amped about being in Columbus.
“It’s awesome to be part of the Blue Jackets organization right now and happy that they wanted me onboard,” Laine said. “I couldn’t be more excited. It’s always a new chapter and kind of going to a new place, meeting new guys, [I’m] kind of scared, but it will be fun.”
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As far as Dubois, he seemed very contrite towards his teammates. He also wanted it clear that he didn’t want to be traded because of John Tortorella.
“He’s a hard coach, I can take it,” Dubois said during an interview with “Hockey Night in Canada” on Saturday. “Nothing’s personal. I grew up with a dad who’s a coach and he told me if a coach challenges you, it’s never personal; he just wants what’s best for you. And that’s how I see ‘Torts’ and I have nothing but respect for him.”
“And that’s something that wasn’t always easy, but you have to appreciate the honesty and appreciate that he was trying to make me a better player, make me a better person. And I know for some people it might be that’s the reason, but it’s not.”
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