Jackets Drop a Tough Game On The Road

Sabres come back to disappoint the Blue Jackets.

The Jackets seemed to play within their system for the first period and a half, but after that, it looked like it fell apart. Despite that, there were some bright spots in the game.

Patrik Laine scored 12:02 into the first, assisted by Kirill Marchenko and Emil Bemstrom. Laine took a pass from Marchenko in the slot and blew it past Devon Levi. The goal was scored because of the hard work from Laine's linemates causing a turnover and pushing it down the ice. Definitely earned. 

The second goal was beautiful to watch play out. Kent Johnson took the puck behind the net and slung the puck from his backhand to Justin Danforth who promptly snuck it past Levi.

Patrik Laine was set up for his second goal by David Jiricek, watch this beauty.

That would be all the scoring the CBJ could muster. The Jackets seemed like they slipped away from their system and Buffalo took advantage of it. The Jackets took 12 penalty minutes and Buffalo punished them for it. The Sabres went 3/6 on the powerplay with Jeff Skinner scoring twice and Zach Benson scoring one. Henri Jokiharju scored an even-strength goal in the third as well. The Jackets would fall 4-3

Quick Reactions

Denton Mateychuk had one assist today. He took a hard hit from behind and then got up and laid out Tage Thompson. After the game, Head Coach Pascal Vincent said about Denton Mateychuk, “He’s had an amazing camp.” As a reminder, Mateychuk would need to go back to Junior if he doesn't make the team. There have been rumblings the Jackets may apply for an exception that will allow him to play in the AHL. 

Adam Fantilli had some rough spots today, but also won a few key faceoffs. There are going to be some growing pains, but he'll be fine. 

Patrik Laine scored twice, and there should be many more to come.

Emil Bemstrom had two more assists today. He has 2 goals and 3 assists in the preseason. He's looked good. 

Elvis Merzlikins allowed four goals, but his team took six penalties and scored three times, that's nearly impossible to defend. 

The Jackets take on the St. Louis Blues again on Monday, this time on Irish Broadway, and will be looking to avenge the loss earlier this week. 

Join Jason Newland's Columbus Blue Jacket page on Bunches, a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can watch a new YouTube game show about the Blue Jackets, Around the Fifth Line.