Entering Thursday's Blue Jackets game, forward Jack Roslovic, defenseman Nick Blankenburg, and goaltender Spencer Martin stood out as three players who were on the bubble to make the opening night roster.
Did they show enough to make the roster?
Jack Roslovic
Roslovic had a fine game Thursday, registering three five-on-five giveaways, per naturalstattrick.com, including one that led to a grade-A chance from James Malatesta that was denied by Capitals goalie Charlie Lindgren. He didn't do anything to make you leave you seat on offense, but he also didn't make any defensive mistakes.
If this was his final audition of the preseason, he put forth a respectable showing. If his defensive performance from Thursday's game could be consistent over the course of the season in addition to his offensive output, he would be a very productive NHL player.
Nick Blankenburg
Blankenburg also played well, posting one five-on-five takeaway compared to zero giveaways. He also drew a penalty and showed once again that his 5-foot-9 frame isn't going to deter him from being a physical force on the ice.
Unlike Roslovic, consistency isn't an issue with Blankenburg. You know what you're going to get every game from him. He's going to play hard, block shots, and be physical, and chip in offensively every once-in-a-while.
Spencer Martin
In his first action since the Blue Jackets claimed him off waivers, Martin was fantastic. He posted 0.57 goals saved above expected, per hockeystatcards.com, and stopped 35 of the 38 shots he faced (.921SV%).
Will Roslovic, Blankenburg, and Martin make the roster? We'll know soon enough.
