Washington Capitals @ Columbus Blue Jackets: Preseason 2022-23 Game 5

I had high hopes for this game being a good example of what's to come in the 2022-23 NHL Season, and it did not disappoint.  Both the Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets would put forth some heavy hitters tonight, giving us a fun preview of what's to come in just a couple weeks.  This was apparent though the whole game, but we'll start from the beginning.  Period 1 would see the first goal going to A. Protas at 7:01, giving the Capitals an early 1-0 lead.  Carson Meyer, one of our Ohio home-grown players, would take that lead from them at 12:03.  The primary assist would be credited to Sean Kuraly, while the secondary would go to Mathieu Olivier.  Not long after this a scuffle would break out between Olivier and a Capitals player, who set his sights on one of our centerman.  A penalty was handed down to Olivier, giving the Capitals a Powerplay, but the Blue Jackets would kill it off just fine.  After 1 period the score would be 1-1.  After Period 2, full of incredible defense and goaltender saves (on both ends of the ice) that 1-1 tie would hold still.  

That incredible defense and goaltending would continue, but then a Blue Jacket would break though.  Yegor Chinakhov would score, making this his 3rd goal in the last 2 games.  This goal would come 6:46 into Period 3.  Primary assist would go to Sean Kuraly, while the secondary assist would go to David Jiricek.  We also have to mention the sweet armpit save Elvis Merzlikins made in the final seconds, I mean that takes talent to see a puck and make a stop like that!  Blue Jackets hold on to win it 2-1!  

Tonight was a great night all around for the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Elvis Merzlikins held the net all game and turned away all but 1 shot.  34 of 35 has a sweet ring to it!  Carson Meyer netted his second goal in this 2022-23 NHL Preseason.  Sean Kuraly had 2 assists.  Yegor Chinakhov had his 3rd goal in just 2 games, as I mentioned above.  David Jiricek would gain an assist.  Much credit to the Defense too, who did an incredible job protecting the net tonight.  Blankenburg was all over the ice tonight and the name I heard most.  However, it was a team effort and tonight this team held up great, especially against a Capitals team with some of their main players hitting the ice for this game.  Well done guys, Coach Larson said he wanted his players to make him choose the final roster difficult, and I think this group is doing just that.  

Again, final 2-1 win for the Blue Jackets over the Capitals, (yes, I'm repeating it because it's just fun to say.)  The Blue Jackets next preseason game will be Sunday, October 3rd.  The Blue Jackets will go down to play the Carolina Hurricanes, puck drop is set for 7:00 PM.  If there are any updates between now and then I'll post them in a blog or on my Twitter/Facebook pages, so be sure to follow me there.  Until then...

Go CBJ!          



          

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