Blue Jackets Make Shocking Move With Gaudreau & Laine

The Columbus Blue Jackets lost their seventh straight game last night (Nov. 16) against the Arizona Coyotes, but that was not even the lowest part of the night. Star forwards Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau were both benched during the third period of the contest.

Laine was benched for the final 9:53 of the contest, while Gaudreau was benched for the final 6:15. This is certainly notable, as these two are supposed to be the club's most important forwards, and head coach Pascal Vincent felt that other players warranted playing time over them.

Both the Blue Jackets' top forwards have struggled this season. In eight games this season, Laine has two goals, one assist, and a minus-5 rating. Gaudreau, on the other hand, has one goal, five assists, and a minus-7 rating in 17 games. With that, he has zero points in his last five games.

Clearly, Vincent wants to see from these two. This is the second time Johnny Hockey has been benched this season as well.