Foligno using 'Rocky mentality' for training during NHL's hiatus

If all goes according to plan, Nick Foligno will be eating lightning and crapping thunder by the time the NHL resumes play.

The closure of team facilities has forced NHL players to get creative with their workouts, and the Columbus Blue Jackets' captain is no exception.

"You're kind of going back to that 'Rocky' mentality where you're doing push ups and sit ups and punching the cow," he said on a video conference call Thursday, according to Stephen Whyno of The Associated Press.

If you're unfamiliar with 1976 film, unknown heavyweight challenger Rocky Balboa punched raw meat as part of his training routine. While Foligno is obviously exaggerating, other players around the league have also had to alter their training methods.

"I haven't gotten that creative," Sidney Crosby said, according to Pens Inside Scoop's Sam Kasan. "You do the best that you can. I have a bike. Push ups. It's old school at this point. Whatever you can get done you get done. That's what I've been doing."

Devils star P.K. Subban relocated from New Jersey to Los Angeles to better his workout regimen.

"In New Jersey I didn't have much equipment there. I'm just so used to doing all my working out at the rink," he told Devils reporter Amanda Stein. "Here in L.A. I have more gym equipment at my place. I'm trying to stick to as close a routine as I can."

Each player is in a different spot when it comes to knowing what lies ahead. Even if the NHL goes straight to the playoffs, Crosby's Penguins are guaranteed a postseason berth, sitting third in the Metropolitan Division. Foligno's Blue Jackets own the second wild-card spot by points, but would be on the outside looking in if seeding's determined by points percentage. Subban, whose Devils sit third-last in the Eastern Conference, may have played his last game of the season already.

Of course, an expanded playoff format and/or a tournament for lottery teams would change things.