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Post Game 4: Cut in the Blues

September 30, 2022, 8:56 PM ET [1 Comments]
Zak MacMillan
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Columbus Blue Jackets suffered their first regulation defeat in the preseason, a 4-2 loss at the hands of the St. Louis Blues.

Yegor Chinakov scored his first two and lone two Columbus goals from beautiful wrist shots with good range away on the Blues netminder.

The opening goal came early in the first from Chinakov’s strong side; defensemen Gavin Bayruether and Billy Sweezey had the helpers. The final goal came on an open spread of ice on the goalkeeper’s blocker side; Gustav Nyquist and Cole Clayton had the assists.

St. Louis rallied back with 2 goals in 28 seconds after the goalie swap on the cold Columbus goaltender. Pavel Buchnevich’s powerplay goal was assisted by Noel Accari and Torey Krug, the former Bruins. Robert Bortuzzo’s slap shot was supported by Buchnevich and Vladimir Tarasenko.

Late in the second, the Blues zone trap led to battles from the corner that opened the back to Hugh McGing for the game winner; linemates Tyler Pitlick and Nathan Walker had asssits. From the battle, Walker threw the gloves with Gavin Bayreuther in what may have been the most entertaining fight in the game. From the battle leading out of the corner with the puck to the mouth of the blue paint, Bayreuther stood his ground and wasn’t allowing Walker an inch, while he was throwing rights opposing the Australian’s lefts. It was a five star bout out of two guys that aren’t used to fighting.

Nikki Mikkola wrapped up the scoring in the third with his first; Accari and Pitlick got the cookies.

For the Blues goaltending, Colten Ellis stopped all 10 shots, while Thomas Greiss stopped 23 of 25 shots. For Columbus, Nolan Lalonde stopped all 10 St. Louis Blues’ shots, Pavel Cajan allowed 4 goals on 12 shots. Might be sadly his time to go.


Two other points:

1. The Justin Danforth offside. It was close. Very close. Clean goal and shot. Gotta be more responsible.

2. Brayden Schenn - great player. If I’m the Blues, wouldn’t want him to fight every night. He scores. The tilt with Sweezey was a good scrap, and the misconduct and instigator minor have to kept in check by Berube and team.

CBJ THREE STARS OF THE GAME

1. Yegor Chinakov — 2 goals (2)

2. Gavin Bayreuther — assist (1), fight

3. Billy Sweezey — assist (1), fight


First Cuts

Biggest surprise of the group would by Denton Mateychuk being a first round pick in the most recent draft. Mateychuk has returned to Moose Jaw for further development this season.

Mikael Pyyhita had an injury in the Detroit game of the rookie tournament, but looked ok in training camp.

Stanislav Svozil joins Connor Bedard in the WHL.

Luca Del Bel Belluz returns to Missagauga with the Steelheads.

Boyd and Rysavy return to their respective clubs.

Hawel, Huo, and Verling are UFAs.


More coming…
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