The Columbus Blue Jackets came out and flopped in their first preseason game. But whatever, hockey is back!
I promised myself I wasn’t going to get too low or too high at any point in this preseason. After watching the Columbus Blue Jackets disintegrate in the second period of their first preseason game, it was tough to remember that.
The Columbus Blue Jackets fell in their opening game of the 2017 preseason to the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2 in Nationwide Arena. The Jackets controlled play in the first period and looked very good although they did give up a power play goal. Everything unravelled in the second period though and it was all but over as the Blackhawks scored four times. All at even strength.
In a game dominated by penalties, the Jackets late season woes on the man advantage started to creep back into our minds. Remember though, we aren’t getting too high or too low this preseason. So we’re not freaking out that the Jackets went 1-9 on the power play. YOU’RE THE ONE FREAKING OUT MAN. I’M AS COOL AS A CUCUMBER, I’M FINE!!!
Related Story: Expectations for Preseason Game #1
Columbus Blue Jackets
We Traded That Guy
Really though this game came down to Anton Forsberg. The Columbus Blue Jackets had a plethora of quality scoring chances. Forsberg, who was a secondary thought in the Panarin-Saad trade, just stood on his head making 38 saves on 40 shots.
Joonas Korpisalo on the other hand only had 16 saves on 21 shots. Korpi was replaced in the third period by Matiss Kivlenieks as was planned by the team.
Game Notes
- Seth Jones can still hockey. He had both of the Jackets goals, scoring once on the power play.
- Pierre-Luc Dubois played well and stood out yet again, especially in his play below the goal line.
- Rocky River, Ohio native Carter Camper had two assists on the night. The 29-year-old is looking for a spot in Cleveland.
- Vitaly Abramov had four shots on net last night.
The Columbus Blue Jackets first game is nothing to worry about. Let’s not get too high or too low this preseason folks. The Jackets will play again tonight against the St. Louis Blues.