After another loss, insider wonders if Torts is trying to get himself fired

Another terrible night for Columbus and the team continues to sink in the NHL's Central Division. The Blue Jackets were up on Florida 4-1 at one point, only to lose 5-4 in overtime to the Panthers and that is once again raising questions about John Tortorella's status as head coach.

It was noted on TSN that Tortorella shortened his bench considerably in the third period and overtime, including having Patrik Laine play just two minutes in the third and sitting him for the entire length of OT despite the fact that he had a goal and an assist earlier in the game. Pierre LeBrun seemed pretty baffled by the situation.

"I don't now," said LeBrun. "This has been a struggle of a year for Columbus. I'm starting to wonder if John Tortorella wants to be fired, believe it or not. I know that's a crazy thing to say, but he's done a lot of interesting things this year behind the bench and it just makes you wonder."

Tortorella was heavily involved in the Pierre-Luc Dubois situation that led to his eventual trade to the Winnipeg Jets for Laine and Jack Roslovic. Laine seemed very confused by his benching.

"I thought I was playing good, but I guess I thought wrong," said Laine, obviously disappointed by both the loss and his second benching with the Jackets this season.

I can't think of any reason why an NHL coach would intentionally try to get canned, but LeBrun sure raises an interesting point. Tortorella is obviously very aware of what he's doing and the perception it's creating. His contract with Columbus is up at the end of this season. He was recently given a vote of confidence by the team's GM, but you can't help but wonder if his time with the Blue Jackets will end before the season does.

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