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3 major takeaways from Blue Jackets' 3-0 preseason win vs St. Louis Blues
The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the St. Louis Blues 3-0 to grab their first preseason win. For the Jackets, it was an emotional game as the team honored the late Johnny Gaudreau with a 13-second moment of silence to remember the hometown hero.
On the ice, the Jackets got goals from Denton Mateychuk, Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson added an empty netter to seal the win.
Meanwhile, both Columbus netminders combined for the shutout, marking the first time this preseason that the Blue Jackets have kept the opposition off the scoreboard.
Here's a closer look at three major takeaways from Wednesday night’s shutout win for Columbus.
3 major takeaways from Blue Jackets' preseason win vs St. Louis Blues
#3. Blue Jackets played a solid defensive game
Overall, Columbus controlled the action throughout the night. The Blue Jackets outshot the Blues 41-31, with an impressive 16-8 difference in the second period.
In fact, the second period was almost all Columbus as the Blues had trouble getting their forecheck in order.
The structured game new coach Dean Evason has been preaching allowed the Blue Jackets to hold off a late surge from the Blues as they tried to get back into the game in the third period.
#2. Blue Jackets' penalty kill was excellent
All told, St. Louis went 0-for7 on the power play. Columbus, meanwhile, will need to cut down on the number of penalties taken in the game, as its penalty kill was superb.
In all, Columbus' netminders made eight saves shorthanded on the night. However, both goalies made key saves when they had to.
It’s worth pointing out that Columbus’ penalty kill was a collective effort, showing promise moving forward.
#1. Goalies were the game’s highlight
The two Columbus netminders, Zach Sawchenko and Elvis Merzlikins were the story of the game. Both netminders combined to make 31 saves, including Merzlikins playing two full periods for the win.
Entering this season, questions surrounded the Jackets’ goaltending situation. In particular, doubts emerged regarding Merzlikins’ role with the team.
But after tonight’s performance, it seems that Merzlikins has cemented himself as part of the goalie tandem with Daniil Tarasov.
As for Sawchenko, he’ll most likely head to the AHL this season. But if injuries become an issue, he could get a call-up sooner rather than later.
It’s also worth mentioning that the solid defensive game in front of the goaltenders allowed them to keep the Blues off the scoresheet.
Moving forward, it looks like the Jackets’ goaltending situation may turn out better than anticipated.
The Columbus Blue Jackets will face the Washington Capitals in their next preseason game at Capital One Arena on Friday. The St. Louis Blues host the Chicago Blackhawks at Enterprise Center the same day.
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