Columbus Blue Jackets @ St. Louis Blues: 2023 Preseason Game 3

 If the overtime Penguins win in Columbus a couple nights back wasn't entertaining enough, I give you tonight's game recap. This game in St. Louis had everything; goals, penalties, fights, a game misconduct. It was something to behold, so let's get into it!

Goal one of this game would come from the home Blues' Jakub Vrana at 8:17. However, an Emil Bemstrom equalizer would be on the horizon. This goal, making it a 1-1 game, would come at 13:29! Alexander Texier would have his first assist on this goal, and the only one as well. At 15:18, though, the Blues would rush the Blue Jackets' net with Aaron Dell inside. Isaac Ratcliffe would score, and new Head Coach, Pascal Vincent, would challenge for Goaltender Interference. This review would be quick, and not go in our favor. This 2-1 Blues lead would quickly turn 3-1 after another goal during their awarded powerplay, thanks to our challenge loss. That third goal would come from Oskar Sundqvist at 16:31. 

Period 2 would see no goals, but instead a pivotal moment in this game. About halfway through this period, a fight would break out between our Josh Dunne and Blues' Nick Richie. What was normal about this fight was how both players received a 5-minute misconduct. Normally, these would offset, and we'd go into a 4 on 4 gameplay situation for the next five minutes unless another penalty was given. However, remember that misconduct I mentioned in the intro? Well, this is when it happened. It turned out that Nick Richie didn't have his jersey properly attached to him. So, when this fight happened, that fact came to light and he was given not only a 5-minute penalty for fighting but also a game misconduct. This meant Nick Richie's night would end with an assist on Oskar Sundqvist's goal and nothing more. Again, no goals during this period, but plenty of action. 

It's also important to note that Aaron Dell would come out of the net after 30 minutes of play, allowing Jet Greaves to play for the final 30 minutes of regulation tonight in St. Louis. Aaron Dell would have 9 shot attempts on his net by the Blues and allowed 3 of them to result in goals. This gave him a .667 save percentage. Not the best, but this is his first preseason game. 

With the score still 3-1 heading into Period 3, something had to change for the Blue Jackets for them to have a chance in this game. With about 6 minutes remaining in the game that would happen. After two Blues players would be charged with penalties, the Blue Jackets would quickly capitalize on their 5 on 3 gift. Emil Bemstrom would have his second goal in this game at 15:23. Denton Mateychuk would have his first assist of the preseason, while Alexander Texier would have his second assist of the preseason and in this game! Truly, it's like Texier never left the NHL; it's incredible to see. 

The final goal to tie this game would not come. The final tonight would be a 3-2 St. Louis Blues win. That said, there were plenty of wins tonight. Emil Bemstrom had 2 big goals. Alexander Texier had two assists. Everyone had between 0 and 3 shots on goal but two players, Emil Bemstrom with 6 and Nick Blankenburg with 5. Yes, the Blues had 3 goals and won this game, but the defense and offense didn't give up. Also, Jet Greaves had a night with 3 saves on 3 shots in half the game he had a perfect save percentage! I know it isn't the biggest number when it comes to shots, but it shows that the times the Blues got through our defense, he was able to keep them out of his net. Well done, Greaves. This was a nice split between experienced NHL players and young players looking to steal some spotlight. 

Also, Emil Bemstrom was awarded the second star of the game tonight.

Our next game will be the fourth this preseason and mark the halfway point of the 2023 Preseason; shocking, I know. This game will be at the Buffalo Sabers on September 30th. I will be working during this game because it's at 3:00 p.m. So, I wish the Blue Jackets the best of luck. I'm also happy to say that the remaining four preseason games are all in the evening, meaning I will be able to recap those games, thank goodness!  

Go CBJ!