The Blue Jackets closed their preseason slate with a 4-2 come-from-behind win over the Capitals.
Three Takeaways
Elvis Merzlikins Bounces Back
Entering the game with an abysmal .872 SV%, Merzlikins was fantastic on Saturday, stopping 25 of 27 shots, including several grade-A chances from the Capitals. According to naturalstattrick.com, Merzlikins posted 0.36 goals saved above expected.
If the Blue Jackets receive similar efforts from Merzlikins throughout the season, they could compete for a playoff spot.
The Top Line Shines, Again
While they failed to score a goal, the Johnny Gaudreau-Patrik Laine-Kirill Marchenko line was fantastic again.
| Chances For/Against | Shots For/Against | Scoring Chances For/Against | High Danger Chances For/Against | Expected Goals For/Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/3 | 3/1 | 4/2 | 0/0 | 0.19/0.04 |
Laine continues to impress at center. If this production continues into the regular season, it will change the entire dynamic of the forward group and where players are slotted in the lineup.
Young Players Produce
Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger each scored five-on-five goals on Saturday. Sillinger's was the game-tying tally on an incredible effort and Fantilli scored the game-winner with a sneaky wrist shot from the slot.
What an effort by Cole Sillinger! #CBJ pic.twitter.com/YfUkC0FAgq
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) October 8, 2023
Adam Fantillis sneaky snipe #CBJ pic.twitter.com/cSQEI34npf
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) October 8, 2023
For the Blue Jackets to be competitors this season, they'll have to receive large contributions from their young players.
Now that the preseason has come to a close, next up for the Blue Jackets to cut their roster down to 23 players by 5 p.m. ET on Monday. Their next game, the first of the regular season, is on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET against the Flyers at Nationwide Arena.
