VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Many observers questioned whether Thomas Vanek and John Tortorella would get along.
But they do.
And now, Vanek is thriving under his new coach as the surging Columbus Blue Jackets (44-29-5) prepare to visit the Vancouver Canucks (29-40-9) on Saturday.
Vanek will face the Canucks for the first time since Vancouver dealt him to the Blue Jackets at the National Hockey League trade deadline in February.
The knock on Vanek, who came across as laid back during his time with Vancouver, was that he did not live up to expectations after previous deadline deals.