Columbus Blue Jackets Cam Atkinson Returns to the Lineup
Columbus Blue Jackets star Cam Atkinson is set to return to the lineup tonight after being a healthy scratch against the Arizona Coyotes last Saturday.
Head coach John Tortorella and the Columbus Blue Jackets organization is all about accountability. From top to bottom of the organization. He proved that once again by benching Cam Atkinson for four straight periods going back to the final stanza of the New Jersey Devils matchup last Friday.
Following his time in the press box Saturday, coach Tortorella announced to the team after practice on Monday that Cam will return to the lineup. The 28-year-old is coming off of a 35 goal season but has struggled in 2017.
Cam has only posted 6-3-9 through 25 games in 2017. He is pointless in his last six games and is -5 in those contest combined. Cam also has not scored on the power play at all this entire year. Sure, some of that is a product of the team’s overall struggles with the man advantage, but the team’s struggle is surely tied to Cam’s woes as well.
All indications are that there is no bad blood over the healthy scratch and that Atkinson is rejuvenated and refocused. Taking a game off to think, watch film, see the game from a different perspective should help Cam. It also raises the bar for the entire team.
Cam Atkinson, after practice today, on being a healthy scratch Saturday:
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) December 11, 2017
"It’s a wake-up call, and I take full responsibility. I know I need to be way better, and I will be.”#CBJ
Accountability for All
Torts has shown that he isn’t afraid to bench anyone. Earlier in the season, David Savard found himself a health scratch. Savard didn’t return to all-star form, but he certainly is playing better than before the move.
Torts also called out the entire veteran corps of this team following the 4-1 loss to New Jersey last Tuesday. He said they all need to just be better and that this team would go no where without them. This team that has been carried by young guys needs to be able to rely on its veteran leaders, including Atkinson.
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Cam can become the 11th Columbus Blue Jacket to hit double digits in points this season tonight with a goal or assist. He will likely draw back into the lineup with