Columbus Blue Jackets @ St. Louis Blues: Preseason 2022-23 Game 4

This game would start out very well for the Columbus Blue Jackets, as Yegor Chinakhov would score the opening goal of the game.  It would come at 3:50 into Period 1.  Primary assist would go to Billy Sweezy, while the secondary assist would go to Gavin Bayreuther.  This would be the only goal in this period, so after 20 the Blue Jackets would have a 1-0 lead.  

The Blue Jackets Yegor Chinakhov would extend that score, just over halfway through Period 2.  His second goal would come at 11:07.  Primary assist on this goal would go to Gus Nyquist, while the secondary assist would go to Cole Clayton.  This would give the Blue Jackets a 2-0 lead...but after goals from P. Buchnevich at 12:19, R. Bortuzzo at 12:47 and then a third goal from H. McGing at 18:40, the Blues would suddenly take the lead at 3-2.  In this quick resoonce by the Blues the Blue Jackets would have a goal, this time from Justin Danforth, but the Blues would challenge and win.  This goal was taken off the board due to off-sides.  This Period 2 would end with a 3-2 Blues lead.  It's also important to note here that Blue Jackets continue to do what they have for almost the entire preseason, which would be playing two goalies per game.  We have 7 still within camp and the coaches have to sort out who stays where somehow.  Tonight, we saw Nolan Lalonde play the first half without a score, before Paval Cajan would take over halfway through this period.  Yes, the 3 goals scored by the Blues fell in Cajan's time in net, but keep in mind he's done well in the past and had some other good saves this period.  Also, coming off the bench cold isn't an easy mountain to climb, something we've seen even the most experienced goalies find challenging when covering for an injured teammate.  

Okay, back to the game.  This Period 3 would start out with some fire 5th Line.  A few minor tiffs had happened earlier this game, but this period saw the most explosive.  Blue Jackets Billy Sweezy would force Blues player Jordan Kyrou into the rink boards.  The fight wouldn't happen between them, which is important for the penalties later on.  Why?  Well, Blues player Brayden Schenn would come off the bench and fight Billy Sweezy.  Obviously, you can't do this, but the amount of time given was a bit stunning.  After hearing he received a 10 Minute Major however, the other penalties only mattered for one fact, the Blue Jackets would gain a Powerplay (even as Sweezy got a 5 Minute Major for fighting as well).  However, this wouldn't amount to anything more than a couple good chances, which the players couldn't cash in on.  At 13:10 the Blues would strike again, this time by way of N. Mikkola, taking the Blues lead to 4-2.  The Blue Jackets wouldn't let up, Owen Sillinger and especially Yegor Chinakhov would continue pushing, Gavin Bayreuther and Jake Bean would try as well, but it just wouldn't be enough.  The final in this 4th Blue Jackets preseason game would ultimately be a loss, 4-2 in favor of the Blues is the final score.    

It is a bit of a bummer, this Blue Jackets team looked very strong at the start of this game.  However, one must take into big consideration that this team isn't made up of many starters at all.  I feel our coaching team sent this group to St. Louis so they could see what newer players would rise to the occasion.  St. Louis played far more starters than the Blue Jackets, making this a true challenge for these players tonight.  After saying all of this though, two players truly stood out to me and that would be Yegor Chinakhov. who I expect to do well because he did later year.  Nolan Lalonde is a newer standout however and this isn't his first time doing so in preseason camp.  He's worth keeping an eye on, no doubt.  I hope some of these players tonight get one more chance to prove what they can do, many had good chances, but unless they amount to a score it isn't enough to stand out on this team this season.  We have 59 players and 23 spots; you have to exceeded expectations because I don't think this team has ever had so much good talent before.  It's a great problem to have, but one which will result in some good players going to the minors this year for sure.  

The battle for those 23 sports continues Saturday, October 1st, when the Washington Capitals come to Nationwide Arena.  This will surely be a preseason game to remember, as the Capitals aren't just a Metropolitan Division rival, but always give the Blue Jackets a strong game, be it preseason or season game.  Again, if there are any updates between now and then, I'll post them on the Blog or my social media pages.  Don't forget your 50% off a Jets Large 1-Topping Pizza tomorrow (with code CBJ50) and then thank Yegor Chinakhov for it!  

Go CBJ!