Washington Capitals @ Columbus Blue Jackets: 2023 Preseason Game 7

Tonight's game featured a heavier mix of young Blue Jackets than last night. This was evident in Period 1 as they struggled to get on the board. At the same time, the Capitals brought a more developed roster, which also showed by way of two goals. The first came from Beck Malenstyn at 8:14, and the second came from Aliaksei Protas at 12:04. The Capitals would lead 2-0 after 20 minutes. 

Period 2 would open with the home Blue Jackets looking like they got espresso over intermission one. At 1:25, Brendan Gaunce would find the net and put us on the board! Justin Pearson would have the primary assist on the Gaunce goal, while Dentton Mateychuk would have the secondary. The Blue Jackets would hold off the Capitals all period, not allowing them to score once. Also, we'd have a fight at the very end of this period. A newly returned Mathieu  Oliver would knot up with the Capitals's Dylan Dylan Mcllrath. The two would deliver enough blows to the other that both would be given 5-minute penalties for fighting. So, there's your preseason scrum for tonight! In the end, the Capitals would maintain their lead, but by just one goal, 2-1 going into the final 20 minutes. 

Even with some failed shots and a great block by Nick Blankenburg, the Capitals would score again at 14:55 by Rilley Sutter. This would give them a 3-1 lead with little time left on the clock. The Capitals would produce another goal, an empty net at 17:51 by Anthony Mantha. Now, we'd pull the goalie, Spenser Martin, and this time, we'd get another goal!  At 18:49, Marcus Bjork would get a goal, and there would be a single assist belonging to Stefan Matteau. So, in the end, the Capitals would win 4-2, but hey, the Blue Jackets didn't stop pushing. 4-2 was the final. 

Spenser Martin would finish with a .921 Save Percentage, keeping 35 off 38 Capitals shots out of his net. Impressive for an opening interview. 

And just like that, we're already facing the final preseason game this year!  Isn't it crazy how fast those last 7 games went? Our last will be a trip to play the Capitals in D.C. I can't wait! This will be a good time for Pascal Vincent to test any guys he still needs to be completely sold on. This is a hard team to play at home and a good test of how a player will handle the toughness of the NHL. Yes, it's a preseason game, but D.C. is always rocking. The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. 

Go CBJ!      




       

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