One down, three to go.
After the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday to stave off elimination, coach John Tortorella was happy his club got the chance to carry over some of its regular-season magic to the playoffs.
"I wasn't even thinking about the series tonight, I was thinking about the players," Tortorella told reporters following the victory. "They've put in a lot of time. To play a regular season like they had and not get to enjoy what it is to win a playoff game ... I want them to enjoy that."
The Blue Jackets had the fourth-best regular-season record, finishing with 108 points. Tuesday marked just the third playoff win in franchise history.
Columbus climbed to a 3-0 lead early in the second period of Game 4. The Penguins made it interesting, but were never able to get a lead on the Blue Jackets.
"We've got to take it one game at a time here and try to manage the series that way," Tortorella added. "I'm not bullshitting you here, I just wanted them to see what it's like to win a playoff game with this team together."
The Blue Jackets will look to stay alive Thursday in Pittsburgh.
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