Any holiday that includes a newborn is always a memorable one, Bayreuther acknowledged.
"It was great," he said. "We had turkey and had a good day. It's a little more exciting (when you have the child for the first time). You have to be a little more organized."
But the holiday is now over, and it's back to hockey
tonight in Nationwide Arena as the Blue Jackets host the Canucks
. Tonight, two teams seemingly going in opposite directions meet, with Columbus having won four of five and visiting Vancouver having lost six of seven and speculation swirling about what might come next for either head coach Travis Green or GM Jim Benning.
Blue Jackets head coach Brad Larsen cautioned against taking the Canucks lightly, though, despite the team's 6-12-2 overall record.
"Have you looked at their lineup?" he said. "That's a heck of a team. I know they've struggled, but I've watched two of their last three games. If you've watched how they've played, they've played really well. Don't be fooled by their record. That's a really good hockey club
"Sometimes you go through these stretches. Sometimes it's early, sometimes it's late. They haven't gotten the results they've wanted, but they've played better than their record shows from what I've seen. That's a real dangerous hockey club right now that's not far off."
For fans attending, the Blue Jackets are partnering with The Salvation Army to raise money during the Army's annual Red Kettle campaign. Fans who wish to donate can locate the Red Kettle Ringers on the Front Street and McConnell Plazas before doors open and through the first period.
In addition, Santa Stinger will make his debut, with fans able to take pictures with the CBJ mascot before the game and during intermissions, with donations going to the CBJ Foundation.
