On Saturday night in Columbus, veteran players Boone Jenner, Zach Werenski, and Sean Monahan made their preseason debuts as the Blue Jackets iced what appeared to be a preview of the regular season lineup. Across the ice were the “Buffalo Sabres” but with the NHL squad playing over in Europe for the Global Series, this opponent was junior prospects and players destined for the AHL’s Rochester American.
First and Second Periods
The good news: the Blue Jackets controlled possession like you would hope given the matchup.
The bad news: The first three penalties were all on the Columbus side (Cole Sillinger for roughing, Damon Severson for high-sticking, and Mathieu Olivier for tripping). Buffalo capitalized in the first period with a power play goal by former Blue Jacket Josh Dunne. This was a particularly frustrating goal because it fit a familiar pattern: Dunne managed to sneak in behind Ivan Provorov and tap in a rebound from the back side. Provorov was early in his shift, but this is an area I want to see the penalty kill tighten up.
Buffalo added a second goal midway through the second period, immediately after a Blue Jackets penalty expired.
Fortunately the Jackets got on the board late in the period, with James van Riemsdyk scoring shortly after a power play expired (but while the PP unit still had possession). This was also a back door rebound goal, and it’s why JVR was signed. Park him in front of the net and let him cook.
Third Period
Hopefully Dean Evason reminded in the team during the second intermission that they were an NHL roster playing against an AHL team. Whatever the message was, it seemed to work.
On the third power play opportunity of the night, Monahan earned his first goal in a Blue Jackets sweater. It was the kind of play we’ve been dying to see FOR YEARS on the power play: quick, decisive passes and moving the puck from high-to-low and across the zone. Werenski passed from the top left corner all the way to Kent Johnson in the right circle. Johnson waited just long enough to pick his spot, then fired the puck in towards the crease, where Monahan was there to tap it in.
Just three minutes later, the floodgates opened with three goals in 75 seconds. Monahan got his second goal of the night on a tight angle shot after a nice entry and pass from Kirill Marchenko.
The next goal came from an unlikely source. Or, unlikely to anyone besides his #1 fan Dalerrific. Jake Christiansen buried a one-timer from his BC friend Kent Johnson.
Finally, the surge was capped off with a breakaway goal from Yegor Chinakhov and Adam Fantilli. Chinny is known for his shot but let’s not forget he’s a really good passer as well. Fantilli’s shot was impressive, and it’s more impressive that he still had energy after playing the night before in Washington and dealing with weather-related travel delays.
Buffalo got one back with a goal from Ohio State alumnus Mason Jobst. Cole Sillinger responded with an empty-netter.
Takeaways
Elvis Merzlikins appeared in his second preseason game and this time played the full 90 minutes. He faced a heavier workload this time, so that’s something the defense will need to clean up. The .903 save percentage doesn’t look great, but I also don’t think there was anything too soft given up. The first goal certainly was not his fault. Per Natural Stat Trick, Buffalo had 3.09 expected goals in all situations, and Elvis allowed 3. It’s fine.
It’s just a preseason game, but Evason appeared to have a plan of rolling four lines. Here are their 5v5 minutes:
JVR/Fantilli/Chinakhov: 11:28
Jenner/Monahan/Marchenko: 11:06
Voronkov/Sillinger/Johnson: 10:43
O. Sillinger/Kuraly/Olivier: 8:25
Ironically, the minutes were in the reverse order of the CF%: 40.00, 57.69, 69.23, and 80.00, respectively. The Fantilli line was given tougher matchups, however.
Most notable is how outstanding Johnson continues to be. He’s driving play at 5v5, he is perfect for the half-wall position on the power play, and he’s been getting regular PK minutes in the preseason as well. I’m particularly excited for that last one, because it can bring back the “power kill” we had back when guys like Cam Atkinson and Josh Anderson were a threat to score shorthanded breakaway goals.
Also noteworthy is which players made the cut in this lineup of mostly NHL regulars. Jake Christiansen got the nod as Erik Gudbranson’s partner on the third pair, over Jack Johnson, Jordan Harris, and Denton Mateychuk. Owen Sillinger made the cut on the fourth line, ahead of players like James Malatesta, Gavin Brindley, Trey Fix-Wolansky, and Mikael Pyyhtia. Cole’s brother has had an impressive camp and is making the most of his opportunity. I mention Pyyhtia, however, because he is one of 5 forwards to have played in 3 of the first 4 games (C. Sillinger, Olivier, Voronkov, and Fantilli are the others).
Up Next
The Blue Jackets welcome the Capitals to Nationwide Arena on Monday night at 7 p.m. See you there!