Don’t tell me it’s just the preseason, because it will in no way take away from the joy that is in my heart. Not only did the Blue Jackets defeat the Penguins, in their own building mind you, but they shut out the defending Cup champs behind a 21 save performance from the number one cop, Sergei Bobrovsky.
Artemi Panarin, Matt Calvert and Oliver Bjorkstrand all lit the lamp for the Jackets, who launched 28 shots against Matt Murray.
On bubble watch, Pierre-Luc Dubois logged 15 minutes of ice time, along with 10:45 for Zac Dalpe. PLD also logged an assist while Dalpe won 100% of the faceoffs he took (which, admittedly, I don’t know how many that is).
The Jackets converted once in five power play opportunities and won 55% of faceoffs against the Pens.
Brandon Dubinsky returned and looked good along side PLD. Wonder if that’ll be a combination we see a lot more of.
And, what do you know, that’s all she wrote for the tune ups! The real deal begins on Friday agaisnt the Isles.
Final verdicts from yall? Who makes it? Who is sent to Cleveland? How are we feeling heading into game one of 82?