http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/teams/columbus_blue_jackets/108 Recent articles about Columbus Blue Jackets en-us After playing the best hockey in franchise history down the stretch, the Columbus Blue Jackets are enjoying an upsurge in ticket sales. The director of the team's marketing and ticket sales says the club has seen a 13-percent improvement in season-ticket renewals from one year ago, when the Blue Jackets were coming off perhaps their worst season in the NHL and sold around 7,000 season tickets. The team has sold almost 1,000 new season-ticket plans including fans who upgraded to larger packages. The Blue Jackets had the worst record in the league (5-12-2) in late February, then went on a 19-5-5 tear that tied them with Minnesota for eighth place in the Western Conference. They missed out on the playoffs due to a tiebreaker. Tue, 21 May 2013 16:35:53 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/with_winning_comes_tickets_boost_for_blue_jackets/13665331 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/with_winning_comes_tickets_boost_for_blue_jackets/13665331 With winning comes tickets boost for Blue Jackets http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/with_winning_comes_tickets_boost_for_blue_jackets/13665331 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- After playing the best hockey in franchise history down the stretch, the Columbus Blue Jackets are enjoying an upsurge in ticket sales. The director of the team's marketing and ticket sales says the club has seen a 13-percent improvement in season-ticket renewals from one year ago, when the Blue Jackets were coming off perhaps their worst season in the NHL and sold around 7,000 season tickets. The team has sold almost 1,000 new season-ticket plans including fans who upgraded to larger packages. The Blue Jackets had the worst record in the league (5-12-2) in late February, then went on a 19-5-5 tear that tied them with Minnesota for eighth place in the Western Conference. They missed out on the playoffs due to a tiebreaker. Tue, 21 May 2013 16:11:16 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/with_winning_comes_tickets_boost_for_blue_jackets/13665214 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/with_winning_comes_tickets_boost_for_blue_jackets/13665214 With winning comes tickets boost for Blue Jackets http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/with_winning_comes_tickets_boost_for_blue_jackets/13665214 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The wait is over. PDL is proud to present our countdown of the best hockey fights from the 2013 regular season. It took quite some time to compile this list as we combed through our Hockey Fights of the Week series, hunting for the most brutal and most entertaining bouts from the season that was.  Did your favorite fight make our list? Let us know in the comments if we missed a gem from this season or if you think we did a poor job of ranking these bouts. These types of things are purely subjective, so feel free to tell us where we went wrong.  Now, on to the 15 best hockey fights from the 2013 regular season. 15. Three fights in three seconds - VAN VS. DAL - February 15 Let's start this list off with a bang. Vancouver and Dallas kick this countdown off with three fights in three seconds. As soon as one brawl was cleared and the teams prepared to take the next draw, another altercation would break out. Individually, the three fights were mostly average. Combined, the... Tue, 21 May 2013 11:03:49 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/the_15_best_hockey_fights_from_the_2013_regular_season/13662493 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/the_15_best_hockey_fights_from_the_2013_regular_season/13662493 The 15 best fights from the NHL regular season http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/the_15_best_hockey_fights_from_the_2013_regular_season/13662493 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/1/91446bcbf691ba007c740ac7a64b1b571caa6b57/mini/fight.jpg (source feed provided no summary content for this entry) Wed, 15 May 2013 23:55:54 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/dbj_dbjs_blue_jackets_rookie_of_the_year_dalton_prout/13627652 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/dbj_dbjs_blue_jackets_rookie_of_the_year_dalton_prout/13627652 DBJ - DBJs Blue Jackets Rookie of the Year: Dalton Prout http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/dbj_dbjs_blue_jackets_rookie_of_the_year_dalton_prout/13627652 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png from Micael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch, “I’ve worked for them all, NBC, ABC, Fox, ESPN, CBC … and I loved them all,” said Blue Jackets president of hockey operations John Davidson, a Hall of Fame broadcaster. “The one thing they have in common is people who love hockey and want to convey that passion. Sam Flood and the NBC guys, they’ve taken full ownership. It has never been better.” Flood, executive producer for NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network, is the son of a hockey coach and a former college hockey player. His mission has been to take the raw appeal of a so-called niche sport and translate it to a wider audience. To that end, he has been part of such innovations as the Winter Classic and Wednesday Night Rivalry, and he is credited for sticking Pierre McGuire behind the glass, for good or ill. Since the Comcast-NBC merger, Flood said, “All the hockey content has come under one roof and we have the ability to create a common template and send the same message: T... Fri, 10 May 2013 09:57:15 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/giving_credit_to_the_nbc_sports_group_for_their_hockey_coverage/13589435 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/giving_credit_to_the_nbc_sports_group_for_their_hockey_coverage/13589435 Giving Credit To The NBC Sports Group For Their Hockey Coverage http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/giving_credit_to_the_nbc_sports_group_for_their_hockey_coverage/13589435 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png (via Columbus Blue Jackets) What's worse than having a starting goaltender who ducks when a shot is coming towards him? A goaltender who used to play for your team, who was traded to a struggling franchise and then becoming a Vezina Trophy finalists. Former Flyers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky was named a finalst for the NHL's best goaltender. Bob, along with Antti Niemi and defending Vezina Trophy winner Henrik Lundqvist, are the three finalists for the honor. Bobrovsky finished the season with a 21-11-6 record, and was 7th in the NHL in wins. His play almost led a Rick Nash-less organization to the postseason. Bob registered a .932 save percentage (2nd in the NHL), and a 2.00 goals against average, which was 5th in the NHL. He also had four shutouts on the season.  The Philadelphia Flyers traded Sergei Bobrovsky to Columbus in exchange for three draft picks, which was eventually Anthony Stolarz, Taylor Leier and a fourth rounder in this upcoming draft. After the jump, the bes... Wed, 08 May 2013 16:05:27 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/sergei_bobrovsky_is_a_vezina_trophy_finalist/13577618 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/sergei_bobrovsky_is_a_vezina_trophy_finalist/13577618 Sergei Bobrovsky Is A Vezina Trophy Finalist http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/sergei_bobrovsky_is_a_vezina_trophy_finalist/13577618 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/c/8c0332e6200df2ff283e6c8570d01cb516019cb6/mini/florida-panthers.jpg Matt Maldovan doesnt shy away from the idea that, someday, he could be the head doctoror at least the on-call orthopedic surgeonfor the Columbus Blue Jackets. That would be pretty cool, said the Liberty Union High School senior and winner of theColumbus Blue Jackets Foundation 2013 High School Hockey Scholarship worth 10,000.Maldovan, 18, is attending Ohio State University this Fall and majoring in Biology. He wants to be a doctorspecifically, the son of Dan and Jill Maldovan wants to work in orthopedics. It would be great helping people. And orthopedics, if I specialize, I could stay close to sports. For Shelby York, winner of the 10,000 CBJ Foundation John H. McConnell scholarship, her dreams are fueled by her work with Special Olympicsthe 17-year-old wants to study molecular genetics at OSU this fall, too, and become a genetic counselor specializing in Down Syndrome work. Genetic counseling gives me the chance to talk to people and be involved in science, said the Pickerington Central High School senior an Thu, 02 May 2013 21:46:11 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/two_of_columbus_best_and_brightest_snag_cbj_scholarships/13539809 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/two_of_columbus_best_and_brightest_snag_cbj_scholarships/13539809 Two of Columbus best and brightest snag CBJ scholarships http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/two_of_columbus_best_and_brightest_snag_cbj_scholarships/13539809 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png via the Columbus Blue Jackets website, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Marian Gaborik has an abdominal injury that will require surgery and a recovery period of three to four weeks, the club announced today. Due to the injury, Gaborik will be unable to represent Slovakia at the upcoming IIHF World Championships. “Marian experienced some soreness towards the end of the season and after undergoing his exit physical and further examination today, it was decided that surgery is the best option for a quick and full recovery,” said Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson. “Marian will have the surgery and after a three to four week recovery period will be able to resume off-season training.” Wed, 01 May 2013 17:51:44 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/abdominal_surgery_for_gaborik/13530728 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/abdominal_surgery_for_gaborik/13530728 Abdominal Surgery For Gaborik http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/abdominal_surgery_for_gaborik/13530728 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/a/fa7bb67f102adf00acec0ef3fcd49ad4d3d22f72/mini/Rangers_Gaborik_Watches_18fe.jpg Categories: BREAKING NEWS Flyers News NHLTags: Anthony StolarzColumbus Blue JacketsLondon KnightsPortland WinterhawksSergei BobrovskyIt’s difficult to look back at the trade of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to the Columbus Blue Jackets and not stir a little. Bobrovsky is the frontrunner for the Vezina Trophy, the annual award bestowed upon the best goaltender of the regular season as voted by the thirty NHL general managers. Bobrovsky is also considered a viable [...](Read more...) Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:26:21 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/bobrovsky_trade_netting_championship_prospects/13507499 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/bobrovsky_trade_netting_championship_prospects/13507499 Bobrovsky Trade Netting Championship Prospects http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/bobrovsky_trade_netting_championship_prospects/13507499 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/b/cb6773a36b5290923832abee40b882b59e8198f2/mini/boston-bruins-philadelphia.jpg COLUMBUS, Ohio -- If the Columbus Blue Jackets spectacular run this season has proven anything, its this: When theres a winning product on the ice, Columbus fans will come. And they did it in stunning fashionSaturday night as a sell-out crowd of 19,002 gathered in Nationwide Arena to watch their boys beat the Nashville Predators 3-1. The hearty group, which was quieted in the second period by a Nashville goal, started gathering outside the ticket office before noon for the 7 p.m. game and packed the Arena District for pre-gaming long before the doors officially opened at 6. It was quite a nightfan appreciation nightand it was made even more special when the Blue Jackets organization allowed fans to stay and watch the final seven minutes of the Minnesota Wild game versus the Colorado Avalanche. Detroit had already clinched the 7th spot in the Western Conferenceif the Wild won, they moved into 8th, tying the Jackets and winning due to regulation wins. If the Wild lost, the Jackets would have clinched their seco Sat, 27 Apr 2013 23:39:33 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/blue_jackets_fans_lit_up_nationwide/13502654 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/blue_jackets_fans_lit_up_nationwide/13502654 Blue Jackets fans lit up Nationwide http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/blue_jackets_fans_lit_up_nationwide/13502654 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png from Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch, Whatever happens, the Jackets have written one of the best stories of this truncated season. Their goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, is the front-runner for the Vezina Trophy (best goaltender) and is integral to the script. Yet the cast is large and the tale seems pure fantasy. Since Feb. 26, when they had the worst record in the NHL, the Jackets have lost fewer games (five) in regulation than any other team in the league. Over the same span, they have accrued more points (41) than any team save for Pittsburgh, Washington and Chicago. It is crazy. They are 18-5-5 in 28 games over the past 60 days. They went 5-1 in their final six road games after going 5-11-2 in their previous 18. They have won at Minnesota, Anaheim and San Jose. They have won without Artem Anisimov, one of their top centers; and Nikita Nikitin, who mans a point on their power play; and Matt Calvert, their bowling-ball winger. On Thursday night, they won in D... Sat, 27 Apr 2013 09:00:04 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/no_doubting_the_blue_jackets/13496927 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/no_doubting_the_blue_jackets/13496927 No Doubting The Blue Jackets http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/no_doubting_the_blue_jackets/13496927 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/c/8c0332e6200df2ff283e6c8570d01cb516019cb6/mini/florida-panthers.jpg Really, how do you explain this? How in the world have the Columbus Blue Jackets come from way down there to stand on the precipice of completing one of the great turnarounds in NHL history? R.J. Umberger, can you help us out? I think its just the character of these guys, said the Blue Jackets veteran winger. I think the cultures just different, where its a never-give-up attitude here. Also, I think the work ethic is just a constant factor every game. Its the same; we know what were getting from everybody, and when those things are constant, youre able to have success. And obviously, weve got a goalie whos hot right now, and that kind of feeds everybody.Incredibly, after their win at Dallas Thursday night to close out a 5-1-0 road trip, the Blue Jackets still have a chance to join the Stanley Cup Playoffs party, with one game to go in the regular season. But they cant do it by themselves. Columbus will reach the post-season by picking up two points Saturday night against Nashville and hoping Minnesota picks Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:56:24 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/blue_jackets_on_the_playoff_precipice_with_one_game_to_go/13489858 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/blue_jackets_on_the_playoff_precipice_with_one_game_to_go/13489858 Blue Jackets on the playoff precipice with one game to go http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/blue_jackets_on_the_playoff_precipice_with_one_game_to_go/13489858 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png As the Columbus Blue Jackets continue their playoff push tonight against the Dallas Stars, its not lost on NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman that Columbus had the 2013 All-Star Weekend, lost it because of the lockout, and now wants it back. We know we owe Columbus an All-Star Game, he said via an email from NHL spokesman Frank Brown Thursday. We are looking forward to formalizing our future events schedule (which should happen soon) and having one there in the future. Bettman has always been supportive of the Columbus market. He worked side-by-side with the club to keep hockey in Columbus, making several visits to Central Ohio when the Nationwide Arena deal was being put together and then, dont forget, the All-Star Game was awarded to Columbus long before the players looked like these 2013 Jackets. And now that the product on the ice is starting to meet Bettmans expectationsas well as the clubsfolks are starting to notice that winning brings national attention. And if Columbus ever wants to have the kind of NHL m Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:06:58 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/bettman_we_know_we_owe_columbus_an_all_star_game/13482172 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/bettman_we_know_we_owe_columbus_an_all_star_game/13482172 Bettman: We know we owe Columbus an All-Star Game. http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/bettman_we_know_we_owe_columbus_an_all_star_game/13482172 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Call it his second chance to make a first impression. When Blake Comeau was acquired from the Calgary Flames for a fifth-round pick on the NHL trade deadline day April 3, he didnt make an immediate splash. Actually, he didnt make an immediate anything, as he had to sit in Canada until his immigration paperwork was processed and missed the Blue Jackets game in Nashville the night following the trade. After he finally did join the team in St. Louis April 5, Comeau played eight-plus minutes in back-to-back losses to the Blues and then at home to the Minnesota Wild. In his third game with the team, the winger from Saskatchewan played just under 11 and a half minutes in the 4-0 win over the Sharks, but that made it three straight games without a point for him in a Blue Jackets jersey. In the next two contests, the win at home against St. Louis and the road victory in Minnesota, Comeau was a scratch. But Artem Anisimov was hurt by a hit to the head from the Wilds Charlie Coyle in the Blue Jackets first game of the Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:35:28 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/comeau_starting_to_feel_at_home_on_the_road/13474381 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/comeau_starting_to_feel_at_home_on_the_road/13474381 Comeau starting to feel at home on the road http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/comeau_starting_to_feel_at_home_on_the_road/13474381 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/7/3780b1a76df88acef9f92d1e2a77f8e20c3bca4a/mini/Los_Angeles_Kings_dc2e.jpg The Columbus Blue Jackets Chief Marketing Officer John Browne said today that the clubs final home game and season finale Saturday night versus the Nashville Predators isnt sold outyet. Were definitely expecting a great crowd, he said of the Jackets 7 p.m. game at Nationwide Arena that could very well be the game that clinches the clubs second playoff berthor could be the end to a spectacular season. There are still tickets available. Saturday is also fan appreciation night, where team posters will be given to all in attendance, as well as prize giveaways and the Shirts off our backs promotion, where fans are randomly selected to come on the ice after the game, meet the players and, literally, get the jerseys off their backs. Its going to be fun, said Browne, who added that the way the Blue Jackets have played this seasonan unbelievable underdog tale of rags to riches as they continue their playoff push in this final week of regulation hockeyhas excited fans enough to see an increase over last year in season Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:52:59 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/blue_jackets_season_ticket_sales_strong_saturday_not_sold_out/13465000 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/blue_jackets_season_ticket_sales_strong_saturday_not_sold_out/13465000 Blue Jackets season ticket sales strong; Saturday not sold out http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/blue_jackets_season_ticket_sales_strong_saturday_not_sold_out/13465000 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png On Thursday night, former Dodgers manager and beloved Los Angeles sports icon Tommy Lasorda participated in the ceremonial puck drop before the Los Angeles Kings took on the Columbus Blue Jackets. After the 85-year-old Hall of Famer trotted out to center ice to drop the puck as Kings captain Dustin Brown and Blue Jackets alternate captain Jack Johnson assumed the customary position, Lasorda turned to Brown, spoke with him for a few moments and then dropped the puck. Afterward, Lasorda shook Brown’s hand and without even a look at Johnson, turned and began walking away, snubbing him completely without any semblance of an acknowledgement. Given that Lasorda is getting up there in years, it could be ventured that perhaps he simply was a tad confused or even unaware of the custom that the individual performing the ceremonial puck drop should shake the hands of both players. Not so fast. Lasorda remains a wily old fella who apparently retains the spirit of a fierce, no-holds-barred compe... Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:20:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/lasorda_explains_why_he_snubbed_player_during_ceremonial_puck_drop_video/13438912 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/lasorda_explains_why_he_snubbed_player_during_ceremonial_puck_drop_video/13438912 Lasorda snubs NHL player on shake http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/lasorda_explains_why_he_snubbed_player_during_ceremonial_puck_drop_video/13438912 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/d/fdcd8022970dae09a283196e4da160dc23dce558/mini/tl.jpg The Columbus Blue Jackets have assigned defenseman David Savard to Springfield of the American Hockey League. Savard had been brought in on an emergency recall but wasn't needed for the Blue Jackets' game at Anaheim on Wednesday night. The 22-year-old Savard has totaled 44 minutes, 35 seconds of ice time in three games with Columbus this season. He has five goals and 26 assists in 60 games with Springfield. The St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, native was originally selected by the Blue Jackets in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL draft. He has two goals and eight assists in 34 career NHL games. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:22:29 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/savard_sent_by_blue_jackets_to_ahl_springfield/13425703 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/savard_sent_by_blue_jackets_to_ahl_springfield/13425703 Savard sent by Blue Jackets to AHL Springfield http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/savard_sent_by_blue_jackets_to_ahl_springfield/13425703 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png No, he isnt Kreskin. But when Nick Foligno was traded to Columbus in July, this is exactly the vision he had for his new franchise. He knew the history here, but he also believed this team was capable of launching a new era for Blue Jackets hockey. The mission certainly isnt accomplished, but the team is trending in the right direction, and Foligno is extremely pleased about how things have unfolded for him since the trade from Ottawa. I think its been really beneficial, and Im really enjoying being here, being part of this team and the turnaround that weve caused, said the Blue Jackets winger. Its a lot of fun. The guys are great; the organizations been outstanding. Its been great to bring a winning atmosphere here and start something a little bit different. Its been really satisfying and gratifying for me, and I want it to continue. Even when the team stumbled badly early in this shortened season, going 5-12-2 in its first 19 games, Foligno was among many Blue Jackets players who insisted the team was bette Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:36:06 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/jackets_foligno_saw_this_coming/13402192 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/jackets_foligno_saw_this_coming/13402192 Jackets' Foligno saw this coming http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/jackets_foligno_saw_this_coming/13402192 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/4/74eff8c8ef8d3e6596f36f71f02aeeaf07bd3014/mini/Ottawa_Senators_v_66d1.jpg You think Marian Gaborik is fast? Well, actually youre right, he is. But you want to know whats really fast, as in Mach V fast? That would be the amount of time Gaborik had to research his potential new franchise and decide whether or not to waive his no-trade clause. It was like 45 minutes or so, with a guy literally camped outside his door with the official waiver, awaiting his signature. So, much as he has had to do since he broke into the NHL in 2000, Gaborik had to think fast and move fast. After doing the accelerated, NHL trade deadline version of due diligence, he made the decision to accept the trade. And while hes very happy to be wearing a Blue Jackets sweater, he admits it all happened pretty quickly. Yeah, it did, said the three-time 40-goal scorer. I did some homework. I talked to Vinny Prospal and J.D. (Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson), and Jarmo (Kekalainen, Blue Jackets GM) and made my decision based on talking to those guys. You know, the team is young and it has so Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:20:23 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/quick_thinking_and_decision_making_lands_gaborik_in_columbus/13364557 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/quick_thinking_and_decision_making_lands_gaborik_in_columbus/13364557 Quick thinking (and decision making) lands Gaborik in Columbus http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/quick_thinking_and_decision_making_lands_gaborik_in_columbus/13364557 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/7/a75bcb37737b01f9faba411c0a48b563ad799c61/mini/New_York_Rangers_6a24.jpg Chapter TwoWhen last we left Dalton Prout, the Columbus Blue Jacketsrookie defenseman had jumped out of a cab into his first NHL game of theseason. You may remember the story. It was March 1st, and Prout hadreceived word hed been recalled by the Blue Jackets, who were about to play inChicago against the hottest team in the league.After his inbound plane went to the wrong gate at theairport in Hartford, CT, the trip became part panic, part anticipation forProut. Once he finally arrived inChicago, he had to cajole his way to the front of the taxi line, but the angstdidnt stop there. When the taxi pulledup to the United Center, the player entrance was blocked by two largeSUVs. While Prout was trying toconvince security he really was a player late for the game, Todd Richardscalled him. The head coach of the BlueJackets told the young d-man to get into the arena and forget paying for thecab or dragging his equipment with him; they were both being handled by theteam.Before the end of the first period, Prout finally Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:06:51 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/its_been_smooth_sailing_for_prout_since_bad_travel_day/13324588 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/its_been_smooth_sailing_for_prout_since_bad_travel_day/13324588 It's been smooth sailing for Prout since bad travel day http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/its_been_smooth_sailing_for_prout_since_bad_travel_day/13324588 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png