from Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch,

The Blue Jackets had the fifth-best power play in the NHL last season, so it’s not as if an overhaul was in order.

But the off-season acquisition of left wing Brandon Saad and an abundance of skilled forwards gave coach Todd Richards and his staff a bold idea when it comes to the man advantage.

“This could be a ton of fun,” Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen said, smiling and nodding.

The Blue Jackets plan to use four forwards and a 1-3-1 alignment on certain power plays this season, a setup that trades a little risk for the promise of a high reward.

“We may have tried (a 1-3-1) when I played junior, but even then I think we had two defensemen,” Johansen said. “Four forwards. It’ll be quick-moving and offensive-thinking, that’s for sure.”

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