Blue Jackets notes: Burning lungs and errant shots in first practice following COVID shutdown, injury updates and Tarasov returns
That plus receiving no positive results from the restart of COVID-19 testing after the NHL’s holiday break were the lone “feel good” takeaways from the team’s first skateOtherwise, it was an hour-plus of burning lungs, heavy legs, errant shots and fumbled pucks two days before the Blue Jackets are scheduled to play the Blackhawks on Tuesday in Chicago.
Getting the feel of the puck was one of the biggest hurdles, prompting Larsen to change the focus midway through to increase puck touches with simulated game action. The workout concluded with small-area action at one end of the rink, a full ice 3-on-3 scrimmage and a shootout contest. were available and veteran Jakub Voracek left early because he “wasn’t feeling right,” while dealing with an issue that will be re-assessed Monday.
Attempting to help teams manage COVID-19 outbreaks, the NHL reportedly sent a memo to teams Sunday that temporarily reinstated the use of taxi squads up to six players that will be available through each team’s final game before the NHL All-Star break Feb. 4-5 in Las Vegas. That’s Jan. 31 for the Blue Jackets, who are in a bit of a pickle right now with two centers, two defensemen, a winger and a goalie out for protocols.