The debut of a top line of Johnny Gaudreau, Boone Jenner, and Patrik Laine did not disappoint.
Thursday night's 7-0 win over the St. Louis Blues was also Boone Jenner's preseason debut. He centered the Jackets' top line with Gaudreau on his left and Laine on his right.
Here's how they did at 5v5 (stats via naturalstattrick.com):
- 7 shots, 7 shots against
- 2 goals, 0 goals against
- 0.61 xG, 0.35 xG against
- 8 scoring chances, 5 scoring chances against
- 2 high-danger chances, 1 high-danger chance against
Pretty good if you ask me. Every elite team in the NHL has an elite top line. Whether or not this line can be elite remains to be seen, but if they play anything like they did tonight, they'll be fun to watch.
casual Thursday night goal scorin' pic.twitter.com/fDJzatvYlU
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 7, 2022
With Gaudreau coming off a 115-point season as an elite passer, Laine being a 40-goal scorer in the past with an elite shot, and Boone Jenner playing a solid defensive game, this line has the potential to be one of, if not the best in the Metropolitan division and one of the best in the entire Eastern Conference.
we like it, we love it, we want some more of it pic.twitter.com/uSWbnRh4Te
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 7, 2022
I know it's only the preseason and the Blues did not dress their full NHL lineup, but if the top line looked terrible on Thursday, it would be a topic of discussion, so it's only fair to give them praise when they play well, right?
If the Blue Jackets are to make the playoffs this season after finishing 19 points out of the postseason a year ago, they're going to need to get tons of production from that top line.
"I'm really happy with how everyone played tonight." - Patty@pedialyte | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/qs41WyeDGX
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 7, 2022
While this top line shouldn't be forced to carry the team on its back, good teams only go as far as their best players take them.
"Felt good to get back out there with the guys" @pedialyte | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/UpDIrNak51
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 7, 2022
The Jackets finish up their preseason on Saturday when they take on the Capitals in Washington at 7 p.m. ET.
