St Louis Blues @ Columbus Blue Jackets- Preseason 2022-23 Game 7

Okay, I'll start off by saying I feel a bit bad for all the pain the St. Louis Blues went through to get here tonight.  Clearly it shook them and although that stinks, travel issues happen to every team.  Some are easier to put behind you than others however, and tonight's arrival about a half hour before an already postponed puck drop was difficult for obvious reasons.  The Blue Jackets (as would any other team preseason or seanal competition) didn't change a thing about their play and it showed.  They took control from the start and didn't relinquish it at all.  Period 1 scoring broke down as follows:

Goal 1- Patrik Laine!  Primary Assist- Zach Werenski.  Secondary Assist- Andrew Peeke.  (1:03)  

Goal 2- Yegor Chinakhov!  Primary Assist- Jakub Voracek.  (12:03)

Goal 3- Jack Roslovic!  Primary Assist- Sean Kuraly.  Secondary Assist- Andrew Peeke.  (13:56)

Yes, Period 1 would conclude with a 3-0 Blue Jackets lead.  In this period, we'd see a fight between Mathieu Oliver and Blues player Tyler Tucker.  Beyond this matchup, we'd see the Blues gain a powerplay off a Kent Johnson penalty.  Funny enough (if you're a Blue Jackets fan that is) Jack Roslovic's goal came during their powerplay.  So, how do you like that 5th Line, not only can we apparently score during Powerplays now, but we can also kill them at the same time!  What's that old saying...two birds, one stone.  Bingo!

In this first period though, the highlight had to be Goal 2.  Yegor Chinakhov has now scored 5 goals in his last 4 games.  I think we all knew he was good, but in my mind, he sealed his spot on the Game 1, Wednesday Night Roster @ the Carolina Hurricanes.  When you're hot, you're hot and right now, he's burning brighter than some veterans on this team.  

The Blue Jackets would let up in Period 2 either.  Honest, I enjoy when I have to start writing a blog post during Period 2, because WE'VE scored so many goals.  Period 2 went down as follows:

Goal 4- Zach Werenski.  Primary Assist- Johnny Gaudreau.  Secondary Assist- Boone Jenner.  (5:30)

Goal 5- Jakub Voracek.  Primary Assist- Andrew Peeke.  Secondary Assist- Yegor Chinakhov.  (12:33)

Period 2, just another fabulous showing for this cohesive Blue Jackets team.  Yegor Chinakhov now has 6 points in his 4-game point streak.  Johnny Gaudreau has 4 assists in just 2 preseason games.  Zach Werenski, first preseason goal.  Boone Jenner's first preseason game and assist.  Jakub Voracek, with a goal and an assist in just 40 minutes.  Andrew Peeke, 3 assists in just 40 minutes.  Daniil Tarasov has turned away 22 of 22 shots on his net.  Folks, if this is a collective dream, I vote the NHL just doesn't wake us up!  Yes, it's preseason, but tonight in my eyes, this team didn't play as if it were, which is beyond exciting.  

Period 3 went as follows (no 5th Line, that's not all folks!)  

Goal 6- Cole Sillinger.  Primary Assist- Justin Danforth.  Secondary Assist- Vladislav Gavrikhov.  (6:00)

Goal 7- Justin Danforth.  Primary Assist- Kent Johnson.  (9:21)

The time would tick down after this and just like that...SHUTOUT!  Tell me that doesn't get you pumped for the regular season on Wednesday?  The last home, preseason matchup against a team which beat us earlier in the preseason at home, and we shut them out.  Micdrop moment for sure 5th Line.  

Again, just a huge night for not just scoring, but spreading around the point wealth.  13 players with at least a point, while 5 had a multipoint night.  Shutout for Tarasov.  Chinakhov's point streak continues with 6 points in 4 games.  It was just a great night and showing for this team, as a whole.  (Yes, I got fancy and underlined "team" and "whole", because this effort tonight earned it for sure.     

The final preseason game is Saturday night, against the Washington Capitals, in Washington.  Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM.  If that chances, like tonight, keep an eye on my social media pages.  If there is a delay, the moment I know, you'll know.  Don't forget your half-off Jet's pizza tomorrow and your car wash, if you signed up!  

We'll talk soon 5th Line, Go CBJ!!!!!!!