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Is John Tortorella’s Future Pre-Determined in Columbus?

By Steven Kenworthy

CALGARY, AB - MARCH 29: The Columbus Blue Jackets Coach John Tortorella in an NHL game on March 29, 2018 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB - MARCH 29: The Columbus Blue Jackets Coach John Tortorella in an NHL game on March 29, 2018 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Columbus Blue Jackets fans have crossed over the threshold of simply being content with a playoff berth. How much patience will they have with their coach who has taken them there in back-to-back seasons?

Having been knocked out in the first round of consecutive Stanley Cup playoff appearances, Columbus Blue Jackets fans have the right to want more. Demand is a strong word, but after 17 seasons, you could say they should demand more.

Optimistic Jackets fans are anxious for a breakthrough. The law of large numbers says that it’s bound to happen. Regardless of outcome, Tortorella’s legacy will have reached its tipping point.

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets /

Columbus Blue Jackets

How much credit or blame a coach gets for a team’s success or failure is always interesting. For the Blue Jackets, the lack of talent mantra that used to shoulder this weight is no longer an option. Now that the Jackets have the players and growing playoff regularity, eyes will start to shift toward the coach.

We will have to wait a year to see the shape of Tortorella’s legacy with the Blue Jackets. He could go from rightful hero to sacrificial lamb in as little as four games.

One thing is for sure. Anything less than the second round won’t be enough. Cliche as it sounds, the time is absolutely now in Columbus. The future of John Tortorella in Central Ohio depends on a good showing in the playoffs next season.

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