|
CBJ P4 Results / Duchene Deal Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
The Columbus Blue Jackets fail to hold the lead in regulation, losing 4-3 to the host Buffalo Sabres.
Columbus scored the first three goals of the game, coming from two different players in the first two periods.
Period I
Just before the halfway mark of the opening period, Kirill Marchenko set up Patrik Laine from the near offensive circle for his first of the preseason. Emil Bemstrom had the secondary assist on the play. (1-0)
Passing the final quarter of the first, Kent Johnson had a sneaky behind the net drop pass to Justin Danforth, who beat the Sabres netminder blocker side for his first of the preseason. Denton Mateychuk had the secondary assist. (2-0)
Period II
David Jircek drovd the play from the neutral zone, followed by a backhand drop pass to Laine who bested Laine just 23 seconds into the middle segment. Laine’s second of the night was the visitors’ final goal of the contest. Bemstorm had another secondary assist to continue his productive preseason. (3-0)
Jeff Skinner stared the Sabres’ scoring on the powerplay for his second of the preseason. Captain Kyle Okposo and Tage Thompson had the helpers. (3-1)
Period III
Henri Jokiharju potted the only even strength goal for his first of the preseason for the Sabres. Victor Olofsson and youngster Dylan Cozens had the helpers. (3-2)
Skinner had the game-tying goal for Buffalo for his second of the night and third of the preseason. The powerplay tie maker was aided by Okposo and newly drafted Zach Benson. (3-3)
Benson recorded the game winning goal for his second of the preseason on the powerplay. Okposo and Thompson both had multiple assist nights from this goal. (3-4)
Elvis Merzlikins allowed 4 goals on 32 shots for a 0.875 save percentage. Strong first half. Rough second half. Not his fault when there’s 3PPGs.
Devon Levi was my Sabres’ player to watch, and was the starter for Buffalo at home. After some quick early first half errors, he was a brick wall for the home club. 25 saves on 28 shots; 18 consecutive after the first minute of the second period. 0.893 save percentage.
Jordan Dumais was my Columbus player to watch, having 3 shots on Levi in 10:34 time on ice. He also had a blocked shot and hit in his 13 shifts on the ice. Dumais’ minor penalty in the third led to the Benson game winner. Aside the error, I see him being a late cut in the preseason.
CBJ Three Stars of the Game
1. Patrik Laine — 2 goals (2)
2. Justin Danforth — goal (1)
3. Emil Bemstrom — 2 assists (3)
2019 Deadline Duchene Deal Officially a Wash
As of this afternoon’s waiver wire, the Columbus/Ottawa Matt Duchene trade deadline move has resulted in zero active contracts on either team.
Matt Duchene is now with the Dallas Stars after a summer buyout front Nashville’s new front office.
Julius Bergman has been in Europe.
Vitaly Abramov, while his rights are still held by Ottawa, has been in the KHL since the 2021-22 season.
Jonathan Davidsson returned to Sweeden after the deadline move.
Lassi Thompson, the 2019 first round draft pick acquired from Columbus, has been claimed off waivers by the Anaheim Ducks. 5 assists in 18 appearances for the Senators, Thompson could sneak into the bottom pair while they continue to negotiate with Jamie Drysdale.
Closing Note
Along with the rest of the hockey world, my deepest condolences are with the Snow family after the tragic loss of Calgary Flames assistant general manager, Chris Snow at the young age of 42 to ALS. Hug your loved ones a little tighter today, take today and everyday for granted, as you never know what tomorrow brings.
More to come as the final week of the preseason begins tomorrow.
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»