The Columbus Blue Jackets prospect squad breezed to a 7-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings prospects to kick off the annual tournament in Traverse City, MI.
The Jackets exploded for four second period goals by David Savard, Ryan Johansen, Dalton Prout and Tomas Kubalik.
Columbus trailed 2-0 in the first period, when Kubalik found the back of the net, assisted by teammates from last season’s Springfield Falcons, Savard and Cody Goloubef.
There was also plenty of physical play with a couple of scraps along the way. In the first period, just 13 seconds after getting the Jackets on the board, Kubalik got into it with Brian Lashoff of the Wings. In the second stanza, Adam Payerl dropped the gloves with Richard Nedomlel of Detroit. Overall, the Jackets were whistled for 26 minutes of penalties, while Detroit sat down for 22 minutes.
Behind the bench for the Jackets are Rob Riley, Brad Larsen and Nolan Pratt, the Falcons coaching staff. Riley had this to say after the game:
Overall, it was a great team win, I thought Allen York was strong when the game was on the line, and our top line had a strong second period. We will now get ready for Buffalo on Sunday.
Third period markers by Payerl and Oliver Gabriel sealed the victory for Columbus.
Allen York turned in a solid effort, turning away 27 of Detroit’s 30 shots on goal.