Columbus, Ohio - With the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in residence for a pair of shows at Nationwide Arena, the team held an optional skate in the Ice Haus today.
The good news is that goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, after missing Saturday's game due to stomach issues, was on the ice. He was breaking in a new set of pads, skates and helmet, looking none the worse for wear.
"He was feeling better yesterday," said head coach Todd Richards. "But when you're sick, everyone knows that you can be feeling better but you've lost some energy and probably haven't eaten or been able to keep food and water down. He's in the process of working today and getting stronger."
Jack Skille also took part after missing half of the game last night when he took a Brandon Dubinsky dump-in puck to the right side of his head. Adam Cracknell, Jordan Leopold and Cody Goloubef rounded out the players skating under the watchful eye of goalie coach Ian Clark.
"Skille will be fine," said Richards. "It was just precautionary when he took the puck off the ear. He showed up this morning feeling fine."
Cam Atkinson left the game against Boston after just two shifts with an upper-body injury. After the game, Richards ruled him out for the game on Wednesday versus the Minnesota Wild. He expounded on that today.
"Cam won't play Wednesday," he said, "and he'll probably be day-to-day after that. More than likely, he comes on the road with us and then we'll see."
After playing Minnesota on Wednesday, the team has a four game road trip starting on January 3 in Arizona. They then travel to Colorado and Dallas before completing the trip in Toronto on January 9.
Finding a way to win
Finishing the game with 10 forwards put the onus on the rest of the players to step-up. Whether that meant being double-shifted or playing more minutes than they normally would, the guys in the room responded with the end result of one of their more complete games this season.
"The one thing that we can control is our work ethic," Richards said. "For me, it's what we need to bring each night. And we brought that last night for a real good part of the game, especially being down two guys."
"There are some guys that you lean on a lot more, Corey Tropp being one of those guys." Tropp finished the game with 12:19 time on ice, 1 shot, 3 hits, 3 takeaways and 2 blocked shots. He played with a physical edge, but was also able utilize his speed to full advantage.
"At times," said Richards, "I was double-shifting him. And those are the opportunities when guys go down (with injury). There is a chance for guys to make a statement and earn the coaches' trust. And then you're going to get more opportunities down the road."
Forsberg sent down
Goalie Anton Forsberg, recalled from the Springfield Falcons yesterday under emergency conditions, was reassigned to the Falcons today after being the backup to McElhinney in last night's 6-2 win over the Boston Bruins.
