Buffalo Sabres @ Columbus Blue Jackets: 2023 Preseason Game 6 Recap

The Columbus Blue Jackets have come out swinging in the last few preseason games, and tonight would be no different. Patrik Laine is back in a big way, not just from injury but acting as a center. He would take the puck to the back of the Buffalo Sabres net at 6:15 into the first period. Johnny Gaudreau would have the primary assist on this opening goal, whereas the secondary assist would go to the newly returned Jake Bean. He was injured for much of last year, then pulled a muscle before preseason could even begin! This is his first game back, and what a way to start. At 9:04, Emil Bemstrom would score yet another goal this preseason! This would take the game to a 2-0 Blue Jackets lead. Ivan Provorov would continue his standout preseason with the primary assist on Bemstrom's goal, while Damon Severson would get the secondary assist. Again, Damon Severson has had a great preseason as well. One last goal this period would come from the opposing team thanks to Zemgus Girgensons at 11:38, so the Blue Jackets would take a narrow 2-1 lead into the second period.  

0:23 into the second period, Johnny Gaudreau would waste no time taking the Blue Jackets to a 3-1 lead! Kirill Marchenko would have his first assist in this game, and Patrik Laine would add a secondary assist to his goal in period 1. Sadly, as has happened in recent games, this lead was not to last. Owen Power would score at 13:53, and then Zach Benson would score at 18:45. If a 3-3 game tie wasn't bad enough, a penalty against Eric Gudbranson would give the Sabres 4 minutes of powerplay time, most of which would bleed over into period 3. 

A 3-3 tie results in a moment to be remembered at 8:43 into the final regulation period. Adam Fantilli, Mr. Number 3 in this year's 2023 NHL Draft, breaks through with his first goal in an NHL Jersey! Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson would team up again tonight, having the primary and secondary assists; these two are something to watch going forward. The last goal of this game would give Kirill Marchenko a goal and assist tonight, thanks to an empty net at 18:32. There would be no assists on this goal, and the Blue Jackets would take this game 5-3! 

We will have another preseason game in less than 24 hours, 5th Line! The Washington Capitals will be in Nationwide Arena tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. We'll talk then, CBJ!  

*Also, thank you, Blue Jackets Coaching Staff for granting my January 2023 wish: Putting Kent Johnson and Adam Fantilli together!   

    


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