“Play for him, carry on his legacy” - Sean Monahan on how the Blue Jackets have been motivated to play in memory of Johnny Gaudreau

Sean Monahan and the Columbus Blue Jackets found extra motivation to beat the Calgary Flames on Friday night, honoring the memory of Johnny Gaudreau, a former Flames star, who died in a bicycle accident in August.

The arena was filled with tributes to Gaudreau. There was a massive mural depicting him, with fans wearing his No. 13 jersey from both Calgary and Columbus,. The Blue Jackets wore a patch with his number, while players like Sean Monahan used sticks and skates with Gaudreau's name.

Monahan inspired the Blue Jackets by saying:

"Play for him. Carry on his legacy, and remember the kind of guy and teammate he was."

The Blue Jackets went on to win the emotional game 5-2. Monahan said about the Blue Jackets' performance:

"I thought we were, I mean ready to go and capitalize on few good looks, and I mean little areas to clean up but did a good job to start."

Sean Monahan has seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points this season. On his own performance, he said:

"Just having fun again playing the game and trying to win every time I step on the ice.”

Scoring for Columbus were Fantilli (two goals), Marchenko, Werenski and Johnson, while Calgary's goals came from Kadri and Coleman. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins had a strong night for the Blue Jackets, saving 27 of 29 shots faced, while Calgary's Dustin Wolf made 29 of 33 saves.

Following the win, Columbus improved to 13-30-2 on the season. They will look to keep their momentum going on Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

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Sean Monahan on losing his best friend Johnny Gaudreau

Sean Monahan shared his thoughts about the emotional toll he has experienced since the death of his best friend and teammate Johnny Gaudreau.

Monahan and Gaudreau became close friends during their time as young prospects and eventual stars with the Calgary Flames, playing together for eight seasons.

“I still haven't gotten over it. I don't think I ever will. 90% of the time it doesn't feel real. You lose your best friend, your teammate, it’s tough to comprehend,” said Sean Monahan in an interview with Sportsnet.

Monahan disclosed that he regularly experiences emotional breakdowns:

"Yeah, almost every day, to be honest ... When something happens in my life, I’d usually give John a FaceTime. I go through those situations a lot where you want to pick up the phone, call or text him or send him a picture or something, and you realize that's when it hurts."

Even driving to the rink has become difficult, according to Monahan. The sudden loss of his best friend and teammate has clearly taken an immense emotional toll on Monahan.