Columbus Blue Jackets Fall 4-1 in Preseason Opener to Buffalo

As you would expect in the first preseason game, we saw some good and some bad from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

In the first preseason game of the season for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the notorious Torts training camp and it’s affects were on full display. The Jackets were caught several times in the second and third periods with worn legs and the Buffalo Sabres were able to capitalize and score. After three periods of hockey the Sabres emerged with a 4-1 victory in Columbus. 

The Jackets started the game with Matiss Kivlenieks in net. He stoped all seven shots he faced in the first period but did not return to start the second period like planned. Although the extent of the injury is not known yet, Matiss did sustain a lower body injury that cost him the second period in net.

The second period is where the scoring opened up. The Sabres capitalized on an early mistake in the second period by the Jackets behind their own net. Dean Kukan was unable to make a defensive play that led to a pass to a wide open pass to new Sabre Patrick Bergland for the score.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Jackets quickly answered when, following a successful penalty kill, David Savard stepped out of the box and flicked a relatively weak shot past Linus Ullmark. The goal was set up by a solid shift from Pierre-Luc Dubois and a great pass from Anthony Duclair.

Both PLD and Duclair were some of the top performers for the Jackets in this game. Both looked great offensively and at times, overpowered the Sabres defense. Both drew penalties in the second period and had two shots on net to go with their assist.

Playing along side of Duclair and PLD was Sonny Milano who also had a solid game. They certainly won’t be playing with Dubois but they looked well together and might find themselves as linemates again soon.

The Sabres would go on to score another three goals and pull ahead for their 4-1 victory. I’m not concerned about the loss or even the margin tonight. It was clear this team was gassed by the end of the 2nd period but there were still some bright spots.

Adam Clendening was the most impressive defenseman for the Jackets by far. It’s still very difficulty to find a path to the NHL for Clendening, but you never know. The 25-year-old did himself a solid favor with his play tonight.

Jonathan Davidsson and Vitaly Abramov also played well. There were a poor shifts, like Abramov’s at the end of the 2nd period where his turnover led to several Buffalo scoring chances in the final minute. But on the whole, the two played well.

Although the Columbus Blue Jackets lost 4-1, there is still plenty to be optimistic about. Tomorrow brings another preseason game with a whole new roster. Another chance to see some prospects and veterans sharpen their skills before the season. Puck drops at 7pm against the Chicago Blackhawks.

All-in-all it was a good night for the Columbus Blue Jackets as long as Matiss injury isn’t too serious.