COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Photos: Fans pack Nationwide Arena to watch CBJ practice

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) brings the puck up ice during the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) brings the puck up ice during the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Fans line up around the building to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Fans line up around the building to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets center Matt Duchene (95) yells from the bench as left wing Eric Robinson (50) makes a pass between right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) and center Brandon Dubinsky (17) during the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets center Matt Duchene (95) yells from the bench as left wing Eric Robinson (50) makes a pass between right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) and center Brandon Dubinsky (17) during the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
15-month-old Bennett Bowers, of Lewis Center is held by his dad, Brian Bowers, as he pounds on the glass as he watches Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) and the rest of the team during the open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
15-month-old Bennett Bowers, of Lewis Center is held by his dad, Brian Bowers, as he pounds on the glass as he watches Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) and the rest of the team during the open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Fans line up around the building to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Fans line up around the building to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Young Columbus Blue Jackets fans hold signs as center Riley Nash (20) takes a shot during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Young Columbus Blue Jackets fans hold signs as center Riley Nash (20) takes a shot during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Brayden Bowers, 8, pounds on the glass as he watches the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Brayden Bowers, 8, pounds on the glass as he watches the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) juggles a puck during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) juggles a puck during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) takes a shot at goaltender Keith Kinkaid (1) during the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) takes a shot at goaltender Keith Kinkaid (1) during the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Fans line up around the building to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Fans line up around the building to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Fans fill two sides of the lower bowl during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Fans fill two sides of the lower bowl during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Head coach John Tortorella watches from the stands during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Head coach John Tortorella watches from the stands during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Newly-acquired Russian defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) skates in front of center Ryan Dzingel (19) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. Gavrikov recently finished his season playing in the KHL and joined the team that drafted him 159th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.
Newly-acquired Russian defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) skates in front of center Ryan Dzingel (19) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. Gavrikov recently finished his season playing in the KHL and joined the team that drafted him 159th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets players take the ice during the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets players take the ice during the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke (2) and Columbus Blue Jackets center Lukas Sedlak (45) stand in front of goaltender Keith Kinkaid (1) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke (2) and Columbus Blue Jackets center Lukas Sedlak (45) stand in front of goaltender Keith Kinkaid (1) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Keith Kinkaid (1) takes a drink during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Keith Kinkaid (1) takes a drink during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Cam Atkinson (13) talks to his young son, Declan, during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Cam Atkinson (13) talks to his young son, Declan, during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke (2) skates around center Pierre-Luc Dubois (18) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke (2) skates around center Pierre-Luc Dubois (18) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets fans fill the several sections of the lower bowl during the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets fans fill the several sections of the lower bowl during the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Keith Kinkaid (1) watches the puck behind defenseman David Savard (58) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Keith Kinkaid (1) watches the puck behind defenseman David Savard (58) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets center Alexandre Texier (42) skates up ice during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets center Alexandre Texier (42) skates up ice during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky (17) reacts to scoring a late goal as left wing Nick Foligno (71) and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) fall to the ice in front of defenseman Scott Harrington (4) and center Alexandre Texier (42) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky (17) reacts to scoring a late goal as left wing Nick Foligno (71) and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) fall to the ice in front of defenseman Scott Harrington (4) and center Alexandre Texier (42) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets center Pierre-Luc Dubois (18) laughs with defenseman Dean Kukan (14) and right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets center Pierre-Luc Dubois (18) laughs with defenseman Dean Kukan (14) and right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky (17) celebrates scoring a late goal with center Matt Duchene (95) and defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) as left wing Nick Foligno (71) and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) fall to the ice during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky (17) celebrates scoring a late goal with center Matt Duchene (95) and defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) as left wing Nick Foligno (71) and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) fall to the ice during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) scores a shootout goal past goaltender Keith Kinkaid (1) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) scores a shootout goal past goaltender Keith Kinkaid (1) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones (3) hugs Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) and right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) following the blue teamÕs scrimmage win during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones (3) hugs Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) and right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) following the blue teamÕs scrimmage win during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) and teammates salute the fans following the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) and teammates salute the fans following the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets players salute the fans following the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets players salute the fans following the teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Cam Atkinson (13) scores a shootout goal past goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Cam Atkinson (13) scores a shootout goal past goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) during the Columbus Blue Jackets open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella talks to media following teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella talks to media following teamÕs open practice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 22, 2019. More than 5,200 fans packed the lower bowl of the arena to watch the Blue Jackets scrimmage as they await the winner of the Toronto - Boston series.
The Columbus Dispatch