Columbus Blue Jackets @ Washington Capitals- Preseason 2022-23 Game 8

Of all 8 preseason games the Columbus Blue Jackets have played, this was the ultimate preview for the season to come.  Not only are the Washington Capitals a rival of the Blue Jackets, but both teams had several of their best players ready for this matchup.  With that being said, how toe to toe this game was should encourage even the most skeptical Blue Jackets fan, no doubt.  

A. Mantha would score first, at 9:56, for the Capitals.  This lead would end after a Patrik Laine goal, scored at 10:37.  At 14:59, Yegor Chinakhov would score his 7th point in 6 games, continuing his point streak!  As I said on Twitter "Yegor Chinakhov isn't on fire, he is the fire."  (Also, someone tried to make this into a Russia thing, and I blocked them.  Be advised I don't tolerate that.  I cover hockey, not politics.)  Adam Boqvist, would add a second assist to his preseason.  Secondary assist would go to Johnny Gaudreau, his 5th assist this preseason.  Before this first period could close out, the Capitals would come back with one more goal, this time from A. Ovechkin.  19:47 was the time of his goal. (Not surprised, he's the opposing player you love to hate, based on pure skill alone.)  2-2 after 20 minutes of hockey.

After another 20 minutes of hockey, the score would be tied again, but this time 3-3.  The Blue Jackets would again take the lead, this time 3-2, on a Sean Kuraly goal.  This was his first of the preseason, so congrats to him!  Adam Boqvist would gain his third assist of the preseason and his second primary assist of the night.  Secondary assist would go to Zach Werenski.  The goal would come early in Period 2, 3:25.  As I said though, this period would conclude with a 3-3 tie.  N. Dowd would score for the Capitals at 8:34. The rest of this period would be filled with more great attempts and impressive goaltender saves, but again, 3-3 after 40 minutes.  

The final 20 minutes of regulation can be summed up with 1 word: Defense.  No goals at all to be had this period, well done to the defense and goaltenders.  Wow, what a tight game.  And just like that...overtime!  Extra preseason hockey 5th Line?  Let's go!

Then, it all ends quickly.  D. Strome would score just 0:39 into the overtime.  Now, there was meant to be a practice shootout after the game concluded, but the Capitals left the ice...so, no practice after all!  32 shots total on the Blue Jackets goal, Elvis Merzlikins would remain in the full game plus those few seconds of overtime, stopping 28 of them.  The Blue Jackets would win the shot battle, putting 39 on the Capitals net, 3 going into the net.  The preseason ends with a 4-2-2 record.  

The preseason has been exciting.  The Blue Jackets roster has gone from 59 down to 29, and we sadly still have to cut 6 guys, sending them to the Monsters or ending their tryout.  (Personally, I believe those final six will be sent to the Monsters.)  Some players have really shown their growth in the offseason.  Yegor Chinakhov has surprised all of us, I think.  We knew he was good, but I think he because great this offseason.  Nick Blankenburg is a shot blocking fiend.  Andrew Peeke has improved greatly, not just with defense but also putting up points too.  Boone Jenner is back in a big way.  Daniil Tarasov is doing incredible in net, especially for having hip surgery in January.  Elvis Merzlikins is on point.  Jet Greaves isn't missing a beat.  Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau are showing that some things on paper can be as sweet as you think they will be in reality.  Cole Sillinger was injured for most of the preseason, yet he had a goal last game and an assist tonight.  Jakub Voracek is solid.  There are other players, but these are the ones who've really caught my attention this preseason.  My point?  The Metropolitain Division is stacked, but I think the Columbus Blue Jackets could be a contender, if not this season than next.  The playoff ability is here, all each player needs to do is grow and feed off one another and there could be no stopping this group.  It's incredible what a couple months can do for a team, but even more incredible to Imagin what could start on Wednesday, when we open the 2022-23 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL Season in North Carolina.  

When the details of the final Blue Jackets cuts are released, I'll be sure to let you know on my blog and social media pages.  Further, I'll have my personal pick for opening night lines.  Also, we'll soon find out which 5 players will headline the entrance of Nationwide Arena this season.  It's hockey season folks, prepare to plan your schedule around the 82 game, Blue Jackets regular season (with an optional extension!)  

We'll talk soon 5th Line!

Go CBJ!