For Johnny and Matthew: Blue Jackets pay tribute to Gaudreaus before home opener

Johnny Gaudreau's Columbus teammates were given a few options for how to handle their emotions during the Blue Jackets' home opener.

If you want to cry, cry.

If you want to laugh, laugh.

Emotions ran high in Columbus on Tuesday night, when the Blue Jackets paid tribute to their star and his late brother Matthew at their home opener against the Florida Panthers. Among the highlights: A banner was raised to the rafters in Gaudreau's memory, as fans cheered, both teams stick-tapped the ice in the traditional hockey salute, and his family looked on, their arms intertwined.

And before the puck dropped, the teams stood still as 13 seconds — Johnny Gaudreau's number — ran off the clock and with his left-wing position vacant, the Blue Jackets sending four skaters onto the ice instead of the usual five. The puck dropped, and the the Blue Jackets' Sean Monahan passed it to Florida's Sam Bennett.

Saved a spot for Johnny.<br><br>Here with us always