The first two preseason games have been a mixed bag for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but trended in the right direction as the efforts in game two were significantly improved from game one.
The Blue Jackets shut out the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night in the first of four preseason games at Nationwide Arena, winning 3-0 and making amends for a 6-1 loss in Monday's opener on the road in Buffalo.
Here's what to keep an eye on in game three, which can be seen on ESPN+:
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| CBJ @ WSH |
FRIDAY, 9/27/24
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Four forwards and three defensemen who are opening night locks will be on the ice in the Nation's Capital: Adam Fantilli, Mathieu Olivier, Cole Sillinger, and Dmitri Voronkov up front, with Jack Johnson, Jordan Harris, and David Jiricek on defense.
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This game will also feature several forwards with a chance to make the final group, with Gavin Brindley, Dylan Gambrell, and Trey Fix-Wolansky, James Malatesta, and Mikael Pyyhtia all in the lineup. A big game for the fringe (for now) players.
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When asked how players are adapting to his style of play, head coach Dean Evason was pleased. "They're picking it up very quickly," said Evason, adding that they had a lot of film from the first game to use as a learning opportunity. Buying into Evason's system early is critical to this team, and it looks like they're doing just that.
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Daniil Tarasov and Pavel Cajan will split time between the pipes for the Blue Jackets. This will be the first appearance of the preseason for both goalies, and Tarasov's first live audition for Evason.
- Five players were cut from the training camp roster in advance of the game. Defenseman Stanislav Svozil was loaned to Cleveland. Forwards Jake Gaudet, Stefan Matteau, and Justin Pearson were returned to Cleveland. Goaltender Zach Sawchenko was waived to be assigned to Cleveland. The roster is now at 42 players.
