The Columbus Blue Jackets took the ice at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday afternoon for their final game of the NHL preseason. Their opponents, the Pittsburgh Penguins, were the very same team that knocked the Blue Jackets out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in April.
Fortunately, the Columbus Blue Jackets were ready for this exhibition game. Right out of the gate, the CBJ were aggressive and looking to score. Sergei Bobrovsky was on his game and many of the defensemen ahead of him were as well.
1st Period
In the first period, Matt Calvert (yes, MATT CALVERT) scored. With no disrespect to Calvert, but when he scores the opening goal, I think that’s a pretty good sign of a CBJ victory.
GOAL: @mattcalvert11 👍#CBJ
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 30, 2017
that @18dubois pass tho 👀👀👀 https://t.co/7hWK3VQg9c
Oliver Bjorkstrand added another goal in the first to make it a 2-0 advantage going into the dressing room.
2nd Period
The second period looked uneventful in the box score, but the Penguins were very close to scoring several times. But the posts were not very friendly as they stopped a Sidney Crosby shot. Bobrovsky was pressured a lot more in the second than the first.
3rd Period
In the final period, the Penguins couldn’t seem to get anything going. But Artemi Panarin could–thanks to a great Cam Atkinson pass. A picture-perfect assist gave the Breadman an easy chance to slam the puck into the net. And he did to make it 3-0.
Stats Advantage
SHOTS ON GOAL: CBJ (28 > 21)
FACEOFF %: CBJ (55% > 45%)
POWER PLAY: CBJ (1/5 > 0/3)
PIM: CBJ (6 > 10)
HITS: PIT (19 > 12)
BLOCKS: PIT (16 > 10)
GIVEAWAYS: CBJ (4 > 9)
Opinion: Dubinsky's return doesn't resolve center depth issue
What’s Next
The Columbus Blue Jackets host the New York Islanders at Nationwide Arena on Friday, Oct. 6. This will be the first game of the 2017-2018 season for both clubs. This season should be very important for both the Isles and the Jackets. The Islanders have high expectations for the season and they want to keep their star player and captain John Tavares. The Blue Jackets need to repeat the success they experienced last year.
No matter what happens in that game, we’re just happy the hockey season is back!