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3 major takeaways from Buffalo Sabres' 6-1 win in preseason game vs Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets had a tough 6-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in their preseason opener on Monday night.
The game was all Sabres from the start, with Buffalo taking the lead in the first period on an Owen Power power play goal. Columbus countered with Mathieu Olivier's score, but Sabres goalie Devon Levi shut the door the rest of the way.
Zach Benson, Peyton Krebs, Dylan Cozens, Mattias Samuelsson and Nicolas Aube-Kubel added the other markers for the Sabres.
With their first preseason game in the books, it’s worth taking a look at the three major takeaways from the Blue Jackets' loss.
3 major takeaways from Blue Jackets loss in preseason game vs Buffalo Sabres
3. The Sabres outplayed and outworked the Blue Jackets
The shot totals were 26-29 in favor of the Sabres. They also outplayed the Blue Jackets during several stretches of the game, outworking Columbus and often winning tough puck battles along the boards.
The Blue Jackets will need to play a more physical style in order to keep up with the opposition moving forward.
2. The Blue Jackets hung tough despite missing most of their regulars
The Blue Jackets iced a lineup mainly consisting of AHL-level players and prospects. Except for Cole Sillinger, Adam Fantilli, and Jordan Harris, most of the players on the ice against Buffalo were players who might be considered long shots to make the team.
Nevertheless, they hung tough against a Sabres club that featured about half of their regular squad. So, it wasn’t a surprise to see Columbus being outplayed at times.
1. The goaltending looked shaky
The project goalie tandem of Daniil Tarasov and Elvis Merzlikins did not suit up for Monday night. Instead, prospects Evan Gardner and Jet Greaves got the call for Monday night’s tilt. Unfortunately, both netminders looked shaky most of the night.
Gardner allowed three goals on 14 shots in the first period. Meanwhile, Greaves played the second and third periods where he allowed three goals on 15 shots. Graves could be in the mix for the backup role this season.
However, following Monday night’s showing, it seems that Greaves still has to prove that he deserves to be a full-time NHL goalie.
It’s worth pointing out that the defense in front of both didn’t do them any favors. The Blue Jackets committed several turnovers and filed to play a solid defensive game, leaving their goalies out to dry most of the night.
Moving forward, both the defense and goaltending will need to improve for Columbus to have a chance to win.
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