Plane trouble kept the Blues at home on Sunday. Thus ends the CBJ preseason. The final tune up for the season on Friday night ending in a shutout by the Devils. Both goalies played amazing in a game that featured NHL rosters (rather than prospects or AHL teams). Korpi had some trouble controlling rebounds and the offense could not beat Schneider, except when they ran into him and moved him out of the way (that one rightfully got disallowed).

Now we wait for TOR to come to town on Friday, followed by an immediate trip to Pittsburgh. In TOR the CBJ face a team with heavy expectations. ESPN's bold prediction for the Leafs is to hoist the Cup at seasons end. That prediction is nothing if not BOLD. But for a tough match up with BOS each of the last two seasons, we could be talking about an Eastern Conference Championship team coming to Nationwide. Those first round exits could drive TOR to excellence this season, but could also be masking that this team may be on a downward trajectory.

Speaking of a team that looks to be on a downward trajectory, Saturday's tilt pits the CBJ against the Penguins. Every hockey fan that doesn't support the black and gold, sees it, this Pens team has stars that are aging, goaltending that may not be living up to the hype and little in the way of young talent. PIT fans will argue all of these points and tell me this team will win the Cup this year. That could be the case, but I highly doubt it.

Are the CBJ going to be 2 - 0 come Sunday morning. No. It would be shocking if they were. I do believe they split this back-to-back opening weekend. Being too high after defeating TOR could result in a let down in PIT or a loss in the home opener makes the CBJ more determined to down the Pens. Either way I see this team starting off 1 - 1.

Korpi's Net

Leaving the preseason I believe one thing is clear, the #1 goaltending job in Columbus belongs to Korpisalo. His play and the results for the team will determine how long he keeps that status. Elvis will get an opportunity, but for now he is clearly the backup. Korpi made some highlight reel saves against NJD including stopping Hall on a breakaway and a 2 - 0 with Hughes. He still struggles with getting clear view around screens and rebound management. But, honestly those are things that most NHL goalies struggle with.

Parting Shot

Milano and Peeke are still on the roster. There will be some trimming of the roster before Friday, but there is a chance they both stay in Columbus.

Thanks for reading.

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