by Chris Asbrock

The first domino has fallen in the NHL coaching change circus with the Columbus Blue Jackets firing Todd Richards Wednesday morning. Stepping into the vacant spot is John Tortorella. The move was made after the Blue Jackets started off this season with a dismal 0-7 record.

While a man, Richards, just lost his job, the move absolutely had to be made. He took over behind the Blue Jackets bench after they team decided to fire former coach Scott Arniel. Richards had a successful run as the head coach of the Blue Jackets, compiling a 127-112-21 record in Columbus over three years. The Blue Jackets finished last season on a 15-1-1 run; although the season was lost at that point due to the massive amount of injuries sustained during the season.

His downfall this season comes down to the failure to meet expectations. Hopes were sky high for this Blue Jackets team this season. They have a lot of talent on this roster and based on their play when healthy last season, many expected them to contend for the division. This season certainly did not start out the way anyone expected.

Making the move to bring in Torts this early could very well be just what the doctor ordered. Tortorella brings a wealth of experience to Columbus and his fiery style is exactly what the Blue Jackets need to get this season turned around. In his NHL coaching career, Tortorella has a solid record of 446-375-115, including a Stanley Cup championship in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The benefit from bringing him in should be seen immediately in Columbus. The entire locker room atmosphere will change as Tortorella demands the best from his players. While the Blue Jackets are only seven points back of a playoff spot this early, they will need to go on a run reminiscent of the end of last season to be in playoff contention.

If Tortorella can change the mindset of the players in the locker room as expected and get the confidence of Vezina Trophy winning goalie Sergei Bobrovsky back, things will certainly be looking up in Columbus.

Chris Asbrock is a staff writer and analyst for FTI Sports and can be followed on Twitter