Blue Jackets' Johnson on playoff work ethic

You may have seen that after the first four games of the Penguins-Blue Jacket series, Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma called out his team.

“The work and the compete and the battle level has probably been the most troubling thing from our team,” he said.

“That’s been the thing throughout this series, to this point, that’s been most troubling. It’s got to be raised.

“It’s got to be back up to a level that is necessary at this time of year, and in this type of hockey. In playoff hockey.”

The Penguins won Game 5 Saturday night.

Interesting comment from Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson though, on the topic of calling out players on work ethic.

“I don't think you can ever question players' work ethic in the playoffs or at any time,” Johnson said, via The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I would never question anyone's work ethic. There's a difference between working hard and working smart. That goes for our team just as much. I would never question anyone's work ethic in the playoffs. I think that's a little ridiculous. Everyone wants to win the Stanley Cup.”

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review