Cannon City Quotables: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Buffalo Sabres

The Columbus Blue Jackets played the first half of a back-to-back yesterday afternoon against the Buffalo Sabres. 

They were able to jump out to an early lead and after the Sabres tied it 1-1, the Blue Jackets took over and scored four unanswered goals. With their 5-1 win, it snapped Buffalo's 10 game winning streak.

The Blue Jackets will host the Pittsburgh Penguins today. Before that, let's hear from the Blue Jackets players.

Dean Evason – Head Coach

• Emphasized the goal of “checking first” to establish a solid foundation from the start of the game.
• Acknowledged that the team got on the “wrong side” of the play a few times, specifically during the second period.
• Felt the team did a great job taking away time and space, preventing Buffalo from getting comfortable with the puck.
• Noted that playing on the “right side” allowed them to check effectively rather than chasing the opponent.
• Praised Jet Greaves for making massive saves at the most critical moments of the game.
• Highlighted Greaves’ calm demeanor as a stabilizing force that the rest of the team followed.
• Was pleased that the team prioritized their own identity and playstyle over the opponent’s recent hot streak.
• Specifically noted the defensive pairing of Werenski and Mateychuk for their ability to read the game and play heavy minutes.
• Appreciated that his defenders weren’t just defending, but were active in jumping into the offensive play.
• Pointed out that the penalty kill has improved because they are finally getting pucks cleared effectively.
• Mentioned that early-season struggles on the PK were often due to giving up second and third chances, which they’ve cleaned up.
• Described the game as “boring” in a positive way, suggesting the team was disciplined and in control.
• Commended Charlie Coyle’s line for their commitment to keeping the puck out of their own net.
• Expressed a desire to see that defensive “mindset” spread to every single player on the roster.
• Confirmed that Zach Werenski looked fully healthy and “good to go” despite any practice monitoring.
• Reiterated that “steadiness” is more valuable to the team right now than “swagger” or cockiness.

Brendan Gaunce

• Noted that the team felt they played 55 “really good minutes” in the previous game, despite a short lapse where they allowed three goals.
• Emphasized that the Eastern Conference standings are extremely tight, making every run of wins crucial regardless of the opponent.
• Clarified that while the team was aware of Buffalo’s 10-game winning streak, it wasn’t a primary focus or “bulletin board” motivation.
• Attributed the recent success, four wins in five games, to sticking with their process and having a repeatable game plan every night.
• Mentioned that the team’s play hasn’t actually changed much from their earlier struggles; they are simply capitalizing on more chances and getting timely bounces now.

Jet Greaves

• Described the game as an “exciting test” against a team as talented as Buffalo during its hot streak.
• Felt the group did a great job “answering the bell” and maintained a strong effort for the full 60 minutes.
• Noted that the team defended very well, specifically highlighting effective box-outs and rebound control.
• Credited the penalty kill’s success to a high level of “cohesiveness” and everyone understanding their specific roles.
• Emphasized that the key to locking down a lead in the third period is keeping the game simple and advancing zones with the puck.
• Observed that if the team plays the right way defensively, their skill and offensive chances naturally follow.

Zach Werenski

• Credited the team’s success on the penalty kill to everyone being “on the same page,” which has cleared up earlier miscommunications.
• Noted that the PK unit is no longer “compounding mistakes,” allowing them to be more patient and effective.
• Felt that the penalty kill was a major reason the team was able to secure such a decisive 5-1 victory.
• Observed that the team has moved from reacting to opponents to being more aggressive and “dictating the pace” themselves.
• Highlighted the team’s depth, mentioning that having veteran players in bottom-six roles makes the group significantly stronger than last year.
• Expressed how “incredible” it was and what an “honor” it is to officially get the call to represent Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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