Jackets Dump Blues 7-0

The Blue Jackets started the bulk of what will likely be their NHL roster on Thursday night, and it showed as they beat a jet-lagged St Louis team loaded with bubble players by a score of 7-0. Preseason games may not matter, but it was a fun night that saw 7 different players scoring goals for the Blue Jackets. Unfortunately, most every player in the lineup was solid … which likely means management got few answers in regards to which players will play on opening night.

Taking a look at the guys who are still fighting for a roster spot after this game, it’s really tough to complain about anybody’s performance last night. Yegor Chinakhov and Justin Danforth both had a goal and an assist. Kent Johnson picked up an assist – a real gem, at that – and was all over the ice, creating with the puck and drawing penalties.

At this point, one has to believe that Chinakhov, leading the NHL in preseason goal scoring, has found his spot in the lineup. Danforth is going to be here as well, probably as the bumper player on the team’s top power play unit. He’ll also see vital penalty killing minutes. Johnson may very well find himself starting the season in the AHL, should the team decide to develop him at center this season. But, I would also not be surprised to see him as a third line winger for the Blue Jackets next week either. He hasn’t really done anything to hurt his chances. Read: After Surprising Cuts, Who is Next?

Mathieu Olivier did exactly what was expected of him. After the team went up 2-0, the Blues were looking to up the physicality of the game. Olivier dropped the gloves with Blues defenseman Tyler Tucker and easily won the fight, stunting and ideas of the Blues taking momentum with physical play.

Liam Foudy played a solid game, if not spectacular. You can see the speed he brings and his smart two-way play. I think he can be a bottom-six player not dissimilar to Eric Robinson, with speed and smarts. His contract situation means that he can’t be demoted without having to clear waivers; will the team risk losing him for nothing?

On the back end, the only player I can single out here is Jake Bean. Not that he was bad, you just don’t really notice him on the ice that often. He was outshined by his 18 year old defense partner, David Jiricek, last night. Jiricek is one of the top defense prospects in hockey, but it should be at least a little bit concerning that 24 year old Jake Bean continues to struggle and be passed up by less experienced players. While I have little doubt that he’ll be on the opening night roster, I have a hard time seeing Bean as a long-term solution here.

In goal, Daniil Tarasov was solid, and didn’t need to be spectacular. The encouraging thing here is, he played the entire game and earned a 24-save shutout. His health this season is vital to his development; if he can play out the full season in the AHL and be consistent, I think there’s little doubt he’ll be on the team next season. Maybe even by the end of this season, should the team move on from Joonas Korpisalo at some point.

The big guns showed up for the club, and at times it seemed like the Blues couldn’t even touch the puck. The top line of Johnny Gaudreau, Boone Jenner, and Patrik Laine; often looked like they were on the power play with the way the puck was being whipped around the offensive zone. Especially when Zach Werenski and Adam Boqvist were on the ice with them.

I’ve been around since the beginning and have never seen the Blue Jackets have a collection of talent quite like this. It’s exciting to watch, and if this team can get some consistency on defense, they are going to surprise a lot of teams this season.

The Blue Jackets have one more preseason game coming up tomorrow night in Washington. Look for the lineup to signify which players are battling it out for the final roster spots before final cuts are made.

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