For those who watched the CBJ take on Nashville last night, you saw Kirk Herbstreit in the announcer's booth, heard Our Rival's fight song played in the arena and were informed that John Tortorella went back to Columbus for a family matter.

It turns out that one of his five dogs was gravely sick. This isn't just any dog. Emma, the suffering pet, belongs to Tortorella's U.S Army Ranger son (NIck) who is stationed out of the country. 

From The Columbus Dispatch:

Tortorella has a long history of supporting animal rights causes, and his family's foundation - The John and Christine Tortorella Foundation - has, among other things, found homes for several rescue and foster dogs. He has an affinity for pit bulls.

[...]

"I needed to see this through," Tortorella said.

The NHL will replace Tortorella as Metropolitan Division coach for Sunday's All-Star Game, Daly said, but nothing has yet been confirmed. 

Wishing the best for Emma and the Tortorellas, especially the brave young man serving our country who can't be at the side of his ailing dog.