Last season, the Columbus Blue Jackets struggled on the road, with a record of just 14-23-4. They start this season with two games on the road, beginning tonight in Bridgestone Arena, where the franchise had won just 9 times in the first 24 seasons.
First Period
The Jackets came out stronger and faster, but the Nashville Predators drew first blood with a Michael Bunting goal. It featured a turnover in the neutral zone and then some confusion on the part of the Jackets in their defensive zone. Bunting’s shot found its way through traffic and past goaltender Jet Greaves.
Nashville goal! Scored by Michael Bunting with 13:15 remaining in the 1st period. Assisted by Erik Haula. Nashville: 1 Columbus: 0 #CBJvsNSH #Smashville #CBJ
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) October 9, 2025 at 8:25 PM
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Despite a 4v4 and a penalty kill, the Jackets retained a shot advantage. This paid off late in the period as they finally got on the board. Dmitri “Big Boss” Voronkov camped his big body in front of the goal and was able to deflect a long distance shot from Damon Severson.
Columbus goal! Scored by Dmitri Voronkov with 03:59 remaining in the 1st period. Assisted by Damon Severson and Denton Mateychuk. Nashville: 1 Columbus: 1 #CBJvsNSH #Smashville #CBJ
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) October 9, 2025 at 8:46 PM
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Second Period
The ice was tilted in the Jackets’ favor right away from the start of the middle frame. Even when the Jackets ended up on the kill, they did not give an inch. Sean Monahan’s high-sticking penalty was followed by a Isac Lundestrom hooking penalty with 21 seconds remaining, but the Jackets killed the 5v3 and the remainder of Lundestrom’s penalty.
Late in the period, the Jackets finally got a power play on their own, and it was…well, to say underwhelming would be generous. Puck possession was an issue. Shades of last year, and the 23 before that.
The turning point in the game came with 17.1 seconds left, when it appeared that Mathieu Olivier had tapped in a go-ahead goal. Andrew Brunette challenged for goalie interference and the goal was overturned. This one baffles me. Olivier spent some time in the crease, but he was first knocked in by a Nashville defender. He then exited when he could, and while there was contact with Saros prior to the goal, Olivier was on the line and Saros initiated contact.
Third Period
The Preds came out with more energy in the third. Zach Aston-Reese took an awkward spill into the boards behind the net, but managed to trip Justin Barron on the way down. This time, on their fourth power play, Nashville took advantage and Ryan O’Reilly scored the game-winner. His backhand shot deflected off of the far post, but how was he so open behind both Ivan Provorov and Erik Gudbranson? They had been great on the kill but this was a lapse.
Power play goal for Nashville! Scored by Ryan O'Reilly with 17:19 remaining in the 3rd period. Assisted by Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. Nashville: 2 Columbus: 1 #CBJvsNSH #Smashville #CBJ
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) October 9, 2025 at 10:46 PM
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It wasn’t until the final minute that the Jackets were able to pull the goalie, but it was too little too late and Saros stood tall against the final flurry of shots.
Final Thoughts
Very odd to get just one power play chance versus four when you’re the team winning the possession battle. Combine that with the questionable interference call and it feels like the officials had a disproportionate effect on this game.
You also have to tip your hat to Juuse Saros. He stopped 37 of 38 shots on goal, and saved 1.78 goals above expected.
In the other net, Jet Greaves has nothing to feel bad about. We’ll take a 2.00 GAA, right? He also saved 0.57 goals above expected. What stands out to me is how calm he is in the crease. He stays on his feet and he doesn’t get too far out of position.
Damon Severson was a pleasant surprise. This was arguably his best game as a Blue Jacket. He had the first assist on the Voronkov goal and also an assist on the Olivier goal which should have stood. He also led all blue liners with a 72.34 CF%. He moved the puck well and he avoided the dumbass plays in the defensive zone which he has been too prone to.
For a team that was getting shots but not getting enough past the goalie, seems like you might want to have a guy like Yegor Chinakhov with an elite shot? Just sayin’.
I know this confirms the position I had before the game, but I was underwhelmed by the Jenner/Fantilli/Sillinger line. Fantilli was largely invisible, and it was clear this line just simply could not play with pace. Kent Johnson, on the other hand, led the team with an 85.00 CF% at 5v5, which well outpaced his linemates Charlie Coyle and Mathieu Olivier. I won’t be surprised if Dean Evason wants to stick with his lines for another game, but I think it’s reasonable to reunite the Jenner/Fantilli/Johnson line that was productive late last season.
Up Next
The Jackets travel to the Twin Cities for a Saturday night contest against the Minnesota Wild.