Zach Werenski(1-GWG), Val Nichushkin(1), Danton Heinen(1), and Kirill Marchenko(1-ENG) scored the goals in a 4-0 home win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Goalie Cam Talbot stopped all 15 Pens shots he faced in a relatively quiet night for the veteran. This win marks the Blue Jackets' second preseason shutout and second win.
Despite the Blue Jackets playing a majority AHL Penguins team, there were a lot of positives to take from the game. Several Blue Jackets were getting their first game action of the preseason and looked good in the process.
Some young guys, specifically Charlie Elick, had the pleasure of playing with Zach Werenski to the tune of 24 minutes. He also had the primary assist on Zach Werenski's goal in the first period. His final stat line was an assist, 2 shots, plus-2, 1 block, and 3 hits.
Luke Tuch also continues to showcase his ability, albeit mostly strength and grit. The 6'3'' 215lb 24-year-old had 8 hits. Against Buffalo he had 6 hits and 6 PIMs, and against Detroit Tuch had 5 hits and 5 PIMs. He will probably play in Cleveland this year, and could take a lot of pressure off of guys like James Malatesta to be the tough guy.
Final Stats
CBJ APPPlayer Stats & Notes
- Zach Werenski scored his first preseason goal in his first game. He played 24 minutes.
- Val Nichushkin scored his first goal, had 3 shots, and was a plus-2.
- Dmitri Voronkov had 2 assists and 0 shots.
- Danton Heinen scored a goal and had 2 shots.
- Kirill Marchenko had an ENG and 3 shots.
- Kent Johnson had an assist.
- Charlie Elick had an assist and played 24 minutes, mostly with Werenski.
- Cam Talbot made 15 saves.
Team Stats
- The Jackets went 0/0 on the power play.
- The Columbus PK had no chances, as Pittsburgh had no power plays.
- Columbus won 63.6% of the faceoffs - 21/33
- The Blue Jackets had 27 hits and 13 blocks.
Next Up For Columbus: The Blue Jackets will be back on the road on Saturday to face the Detroit Red Wings in the final preseason game.
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