The Columbus Blue Jackets were handed their first loss of the season in Carolina, with a 4-1 regulation defeat to the Hurricanes.

Patrik Laine opened the scoring with the first goal for the Blue Jackets in the season 11 seconds into the second period. Zach Werenski has the lone assist.

Seth Jarvis had the first Carolina regular season goal 5 minutes after Laine’s goal; the backhanded goal was unassisted.

Brady Skjei got the game winning goal with 90 seconds left in the second; Martin Necas and Jesperi Kotkaniemi had the assists.

Martin Necas’ third period goal was assisted by Jordan Martinook and Derek Stepan.

Andrei Svechinkov got the final Hurricanes’ goal; Necas got his second primary assist and Paul Stastny had the secondary helper.

Frederik Andersen had 31 saves of 32 shots for a 0.969 saving percentage. Daniil Tarasov had 39 saves on 43 shots for a 0.907 save percentage.

CBJ THREE STARS OF THE GAME

1. Patrik Laine — goal (1)

2. Zach Werenski — assist (1)

3. Daniil Tarasov — 39 saves

Game Notes:

1. Offside Challenge — Cole Sillinger beat Andersen in the second period, but the coaching staff for Carolina challenged the play as offside, and the decision stood. The momentum was completely lost from Columbus after that point, where the Hurricanes dominated since.

2. Losing Laine — Patrik Laine sustained an upper body injury in the second period against the Hurricanes, and is questionable in the home owner on Friday. Per Antti Mikanen of the Kinanttia podcast, the injury will keep the Fin out the next 3-4 weeks.

3. Losing Merzi — Before the game started, Elvis Merzlikins was ruled out of the game due to illness, forcing the start of Daniil Tarasov; the recall of Jet Graves; and the demotion of Kent Johnson to Cleveland. Merzlikins’ status is unknown for the the home opener on Friday.

4. Out-Muscled — the Hurricanes outmuscled the Jackets in shots, face-offs, and takeaways. The Hurricanes have the depth and strength to knock the puck off the kids, without using body checks, and their puck possession cornered Columbus. Of the 7 players that took a Face-off, Jenner was the only.

5. Cole — after a one hour meeting with the NHL office, it’s unknown if he will be playing against Columbus or remaining on suspension with pay.

6. Donation — Laine has pledged $1,000 to help fight homelessness in Columbus. Congrats Laine!

7. Tomorrow — Based on the gameplay, expect Jenner, Gaudreau, and Chinakov as the top line at home against Tampa.

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