Thursday morning, the Columbus Blue Jackets released a cryptic statement saying that Vezina-winning goalie Sergei Bobrovsky would not play against Nashville and that he was pseudo-suspended for failing to meet culture “expectations and values.”
It appears whatever the issue was, it has been resolved, and Bobrovsky will travel with the team to Washington. The Capitals play the Jackets Saturday night.
Team source says Sergei Bobrovsky situation has been resolved. At practice now. Will travel to Washington.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) January 11, 2019
Bobrovsky was on the ice for the Jackets this morning, and JF Berube, who was moved up to back up Joonas Korpisalo for the Nashville game, was sent back to their AHL affiliate in Cleveland. It’s unclear who will start the game against Washington.
#CBJ G Sergei Bobrovsky has now skated into the ice, about three minutes after practice started.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 11, 2019
During a press conference after practice, Bobrovsky revealed that his pseudo-suspension was due to his actions after conceding four goals against Tampa and being pulled.
#CBJ Sergei Bobrovsky opens with a statement: pic.twitter.com/wmqkbG7BBS
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 11, 2019
Tuesday night against Tampa was a tough loss for everybody … so it was emotional. We might play them in the playoffs. I let my emotions get to me when I shouldn’t. So, yeah. We had the meeting with the team. I’ve been always … I pride myself to be a good teammate all the time, wherever I’ve played and whomever I’ve played. I addressed that to the team. It is what it is. What happened has happened. We cleaned the air and we’re ready to move on. It’s unfortunate for the fans, too, that it happened. But it’s going to stay in the room and between us and that’s it.
Bobrovsky also clarified that it had nothing to do with coach John Tortorella.
Sergei Bobrovsky’s opening statement to reporters about missing the game Thursday for disciplinary reasons.
“I let my emotions get to me when I shouldn’t … it is what it is, what happened. We cleaned the air and we’re ready to move on.”#CBJ pic.twitter.com/qbSKvyvAMK
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) January 11, 2019
Sergei Bobrovsky says it was only the events of the game Tuesday in Tampa that led to the “incident,” sort of (could’ve been compounded by 8-2 loss there in Oct too) … also says Tortorella had nothing to do w/it & talks about his relationship w/Torts ->#CBJ pic.twitter.com/t700ucGYMv
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) January 11, 2019
He also gave a non-answer answer on if he wanted to remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Does Sergei Bobrovsky want to stay in Columbus and finish out this season? #CBJ pic.twitter.com/FKtrVCXtzN
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) January 11, 2019
Columbus is currently sitting third in the Metro division with 53 points, one back of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Headline photo: @TSNHockey
