Fansided

Columbus Blue Jackets Impress in Preseason Game 6

By Lansing Murphy |
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 24: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal in the third period of a Preseason game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Nashville Predators on September 24, 2017, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. Predators defeated the Blue Jackets 5-3. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 24: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal in the third period of a Preseason game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Nashville Predators on September 24, 2017, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. Predators defeated the Blue Jackets 5-3. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

ColmThe Columbus Blue Jackets beat the St. Louis Blues in their sixth preseason game 5-2.

In the final home preseason game for the Columbus Blue Jackets, several players took a big step forward toward making the opening day roster. The decision the CBJ front office staff will have to make got that much more difficult after many players stepped up in game six.

Tyler Motte stood out in the first period with a goal and some impressive back checking for the Jackets. His snip to open the scoring for the Jackets was fantastic and certainly helped his cause. But his back checking and overall defensive play stood out in the first two periods. That effort will go a long way with Coach Tortorella and I believe the 22-year-old will find a spot on the opening night roster.

Both Markus’ scored as well and played solid and put up goals in the first period as well. Hannikainen, who was the third star of the game, scored on a turnover by St. Louis goalie Jake Allen at 10:48. Nutivaara put away a power play goal with less than six minutes left in the first period to extend the lead to 3-0.

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets /

Columbus Blue Jackets

The other two goals were scored by Pierre-Luc Dubois and Dean Kukan in the second and third periods respectively. The all around performance from the Jackets was great to see in the final home game before the regular season. The Jackets dominated possession and drove play for most of the game.

Tough Decisions Ahead

Although most of the opening day roster is decided, the fight for the final few spots is intense. The decision for the front office and coaches didn’t get any easier tonight. Pierre-Luc-Dubois all but cemented his spot on the team with his play tonight. Again, Motte played great and it will be difficult to leave him off the roster.

Oliver Bjorkstrand had two assist to lead the Jackets but still made a few errors out on the ice tonight. Calvin Thurkauf and Vitaly Abramov though did not put together the full game that the brass will be looking for. Abramov had some flashed but they both need another year.

Next: Nothing Wrong with Not Having Anderson

The Jackets will make another round of cuts to add on to the 17 they made this morning. Who will be left for the final two games will be known soon.

Home / Editorials