Final Score Blue Jackets – 7 Predators – 1
Game Summary
It finally happened. The Blue Jackets jumped out to a big lead early and did not turtle. They kept pouring it on crushing the Predators 7-1. They outshot the Preds 34-26 including 12-6 in the second period where they had a 4-1 lead.
The first line, as you can see below in the Stat of Night, has been ridiculous this entire pre-season and they were at it again last night. Nick Foligno was the offensive leader with two goals and two assists. Not to be outdone, Brandon Saad has two goals, one assist and a team high five shots. Ryan Johansen clearly tired of scoring this pre-season, had four assists.
The second line of Boone Jenner, Brandon Dubinsky and Rene Bourque was very good as well. Dubinsky and Bourque had identical stat lines of one goal, one assist and three shots. Jenner had an assist and three shots. I expect these three will start the season as the second line, with Wennberg, Hartnell and Atkinson as the third line.
After the game the club made its last set of cuts. Markus Hannikainen, Dean Kukan and Kerby Rychel were sent down to Lake Erie. Andrew Bodnarchuk, Michael Chaput and Justin Falk were placed on waivers with the intent of sending them down as well.
What this means is that William Karlsson has made the team. Where he fits in is another story. He played this game as the fourth line left wing with Campbell and Boll. I expect him to get a regular role somewhere as you don’t want a young player sitting in the press box. At this point everyone is just guessing as to where he plays. We might not know until Friday.
Stat of the Night