Richardson removes 'C' from Blue Jackets sweater

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Luke Richardson removed the captain's "C" from his sweater after being benched for the last game of a seven-game losing streak.

Richardson was a healthy scratch in Friday's 5-0 home loss to
Colorado. He scored the following night in a 4-3 win at St. Louis,
but played without the usual captain's insignia.

Afterward, he declined to explain his decision or say whether it
would be permanent.

"Luke asked to take the 'C' off," coach Gerard Gallant said.
"I said, 'As far as I'm concerned, you're our captain.' Luke said
he'd thought about it and he believed he had good reasons for doing
this. He just thought it was time."

Richardson, an 18-year veteran, was named captain two months
after signing with Columbus in July 2002.

The franchise had playoff aspirations this year, but is
next-to-last in the Western Conference with 12 points.