The Columbus Blue Jackets won their first game of the season over the Arizona Coyotes by the final score of 8-2. The Blue Jackets set franchise records on and off the ice, and honored and celebrated the team to start the fist night.

Columbus honored goaltender Matīss Kivlenieks before the puckdrop. Kivlenieks was just 24 years of age after a tragic incident in Michigan involving a firework blast to the chest. Kivi is viewed in the eyes of goalie Elvis Merzlikins, his family, and other fans and players. Merzlikins and Winipeg forward Pierre-Luc Dubois are both wearing number 80 for the season.

The franchise also had the debuts of Sean Kuraly and Cole Sillinger on offense; Adam Boqvist and Jake Bean on defense; and Brad Larsen behind the bench. They also had the returns of Gustav Nyqvist, Jakub Voracek; and Max Domi to the lineup.

Scoring in Nationwide began within the first minute of the game, off an Alexandre Texier deflection in front of the Coyotes goalies; Max Domi and Vladislav Gavrikov had the assists. Before the closing buzzer, the second deflection goal came from Oliver Bjorkstrand from the side of the blue paint. Bjorky's goal was also the first power play goal of the season; defender Zach Werenski and winger Jake Voracek had the assists

To begin the second period, captain Boone Jenner stuffed the rebound behind the Yoties tendy after a full Domi driven wrap-around attempt.

Former Jackets defender Anton Stralman closed the shutout with a clapper from the point past Merzi.

Columbus roared back with 4 goals before Arizona's second and final goal between the end of the second and midway through the third periods.

Bjorkstrand scored his second of the game after a nice drop pass from Jack Roslovic; Gavrikov had the second assist on the snipe. To close the second,

Jake Bean finished a one time pass for his first as a Blue Jacket; Patrik Laine and Voracek had the supporting points.

To begin the third, Laine fed Zach Attack the puck from the corner to the blue line to snipe past the Coyotes goaltender. Bjorkstrand also had an assist on the play.

Domi snipped the puck past the Arizona netminder after a drop pass from rookie Cole Sillinger behind the faceoff dot.

Clayton Keller sniped the puck behind Merzlikins for his first of the season.

The final goal came from a rebound from the returning Gustav Nyqvist. Bjorkstrand and Roslovic had the assists.

Elvis Merzlikins stopped 36 of 38 shots for a stellar night opener.

Carter Hutton played horrendously, allowing 8 goals on 26 shots faced. Speaking of tough nights for Arizona players, Jakob Chychrun was my player to watch for Arizona, and was held pointless with over 23 minute of ice time.

Cole Sillinger was my player to watch for the Union Blue, and had his first point in the NHL. As the youngest active in the league, he became the third youngest in Columbus history.


CBJ 3 Stars of the Game


1. Oliver Bjorkstrand -- 2 goals, (2), 2 assists

2. Elvis Merzlikins -- 2GA on 38SA


3. Max Domi -- 1 goal (1), 2 assists

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