Pittsburgh Penguins @ Columbus Blue Jackets- 2022-23 Preseason Game 2

And now the tables turn, this morning we had Split Suad Game 1, tonight we have Split Squad Game 2!  With the score back to 0-0, the first puck of the 2022-23 NHL Preseason would drop inside Nationwide Arena.  What a sight as Johnny "Hockey" Gaudreau joins the ranks, Patrik Laine glides on the ice with a new contract, and many injured players prepare to rejoin the ranks or already have.  It was a big offseason, which leads us all to anticipate an even bigger preseason and season ahead.  If tonight is any indication of what's ahead, I think those expectations will be met and maybe even exceeded 5th Line!

Period 1 would begin with Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins leading a brand new and eager Columbus Blue Jackets team onto the ice.  7:15 into the game the first goal would come, in favor of the Blue Jackets.  The goal would come from Justin Danforth, with a primary assist to Jake Christiansen and secondary assist to Jakub Voracek.  This would be the loan goal of this period, resulting in a 1-0 Blue Jackets lead after 20 minutes.  

Period 2 would be far more eventful in the best ways, 3 to be exact!  First up, the newly signed and one of many fan favorites, Patrik Laine.  He'd send one home at 8:03.  Andrew Peek would gain the primary assist, while the secondary assist would go to the new guy with potential, Mr. Johnny "Hockey" himself.  The next goal would come quickly after, 9:07.  This time we'd see Jakub Voracek find the net.  Primary assist would go to Justin Danforth, while the secondary again would go to Johnny Gaudreau.  The final goal of this period would go to Gus Nyquist at 13:32. The primary assist would go to Jakub Voracek (who had a huge night) and the secondary assist would go to Samuel Knazko.  After 40 minutes of play, the Columbus Blue Jackets would find themselves with a confident 4-0 lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins.  

Period 3 would begin with Jet Greaves in net, giving Elvis Merzlikins a much-earned rest as he let no Penguins score in his 40 minutes.  Jet Greaves would have some amazing stops, but a Penguin, J. Rrasca would get one in the net.  Primary assist would go to D. Heimen and the secondary assist would go to J. St. Ivany.  Time of the goal was 8:09.  So, this would take the score to 4-1, but the Blue Jackets would still have a commanding lead.  A note in this Period, you likely noticed as Bob McElligott did, that Zach Werenski was on the bench and not the ice.  According to the broadcast he got "tangled up" during a play.  Hopefully he's alright, I'll keep you posted 5th Line.  Now, back to the game and another score by Justin Danforth!  Johnny Gaudreau would finally get a primary assist on this goal, while Adam Boqvist would get the secondary.  5-1 Blue Jackets!  Josh Dunne would then get in a tangle of his own, as a fairer hockey fight would break out during this game.  Thankfully, just a fun fight and not one like we saw today in Pittsburgh, where Harpur was helped off the ice after a helmetless hit, which I still believe the Penguin's player expected him to dodge.  

Final Numbers:

Justin Danforth:  2 Goals and 1 Assist.

Jakub Voracek:  1 Goal and 2 Assists.

Johnny Gaudreau:  3 Assists.      

Patrik Laine:  1 Goal.

Gus Nyquist:  1 Goal.  

Jake Christinsen:  1 Assist.

Andrew Peek:  1 Assist.

Samuel Knazko:  1 Assist.  

Adam Boqvist:  1 Assist.  

Huge night for the Columbus Blue Jackets as they win their first preseason game at home and initiate Johnny Gaudreau too.  The next preseason game is on September 28th, when the Buffalo Sabres will travel to Columbus.  Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM that evening.  If there are any other team updates between now and then, I'll let you know 5th Line, but until then...

Go CBJ!