TAMPA, Fla. — As John Tortorella stood in the middle of the Blue Jackets dressing room Wednesday night, f-bombs flowing and arms waving, the head coach’s inspired pep talk could make even the meekest of men want to run through a wall for him.

“It’s a fucking mindset of fucking believing,” Tortorella told his team before Game 1. “It’s a great fucking opportunity to stand right face to face with them and go right to ’em.”