Dubois takes ownership for benching: 'I've got to step up my game'

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois is taking full responsibility for his recent subpar play that earned him a benching for the final two periods of Thursday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"Whenever the next game is, I've got to step up my game," Dubois said Friday, according to NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "I acknowledge that. I know it, and I'm ready."

The 22-year-old pivot, who requested a trade before the season began, logged just 3:55 of ice time over five shifts in the Blue Jackets' overtime loss.

Following the game, head coach John Tortorella didn't mince words when explaining his decision to sit Dubois. On Friday, the 62-year-old bench boss wouldn't commit to putting the young forward into Columbus' lineup for Saturday's rematch with the Lightning, Rosen reports.

Dubois is looking to make the most of his next opportunity and admits his game is nowhere near where it needs to be.

"I hold myself to a high standard," Dubois said, per Rosen. "I know what level I can play at. There's not a lot right now that I am satisfied with. I know I can take a step up in every aspect."

The Quebec native tallied 18 goals and a team-leading 49 points through 70 games in 2019-20 but has just one goal in five outings this season.

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