COLUMBUS, Ohio — Blue Jackets players haven’t been together since March 12, the day the NHL paused the season because of the coronavirus outbreak. Several players have returned to Europe or Canada, meaning they’re spread across the globe as if it’s the offseason.



Coach John Tortorella has no experience coaching during a pandemic, of course. Does anybody? But the veteran coach has come up with a way to keep the Blue Jackets together and engaged.



If only Will Shortz were on the Blue Jackets coaching staff.



Three weeks ago, Tortorella sent a word puzzle to players, a series of multiple-choice questions that, when answered correctly, spelled a word that has relevance to their paused season.



Assistant coach Brad Shaw created his puzzle two weeks ago, while assistant Kenny McCudden took his turn late last week.



“Guys at first were like, ‘Whatever,’” captain Nick Foligno said. “Now, it’s...