On Saturday, October 12 the Columbus Blue Jackets finished their second game of the season. They beat the Colorado Avalanche 6-4 in a high-scoring fight and advanced to a record of one win and one loss. Earlier in the week they gained their first loss against the Minnesota Wild in a close-fought battle that ended 3-2.
So far the Blue Jackets have shown that they can play fast and with strength. The top line has been buzzing and they have a combined 10 points with Yegor Chinakhov topping the list with one goal and three assists.
Some players have already shown a change from last season. One player in particular is Kent Johnson. The former first-round, fifth-overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft is just starting his third season, and along with his stick-handling wizardry now comes a stronger, more confident player. So far Johnson has two goals and one assist and has seen more ice time than any other forward except for Sean Monahan. Monahan is another player who has showcased his abilities on the ice. He has one goal and two assists.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Minnesota Wild
The Blue Jackets took the ice for their first game of the season in Minnesota at Xcel Energy Center on Thursday, October 10th. This game was important for several reasons. Of course, any team wants to come out of the gate winning but there were many mixed emotions among players and staff.
For head coach Dean Evason this was his first time returning to the Xcel Energy Center as an opponent since his tenure at Minnesota. He was fired after the Wild started with a record of 5-10-4 just last season. Besides the homecoming for Evason, this was the team’s first game without the legendary Johnny Gaudreau by their side.
The Blue Jackets looked determined in the first period but were unable to stop a goal from the Wild’s Matt Boldy. From the first whistle to the last, the Jackets played a fast-paced game. Kent Johnson had the honor of getting the first goal of the season for the Blue Jackets two minutes into the second period. Joel Eriksson Ek took the lead back for the wild later into the period.
Both teams capitalized on powerplays in the third period, one goal from Minnesota’s Mats Zuccarello, and one from Zach Werenski. Eventually, the Wild fended off the Blue Jackets to win 3-2.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Colorado Avalanche
The Blue Jackets’ second game of the season was Saturday, October 12th, in Denver, Colorado, at the Ball Arena against the Colorado Avalanche. The Jackets started the scoring about seven minutes into the game when Zach Werenski received a pass from Chinakhov and found the back of the net. Kent Johnson followed up with the Jacket’s second goal about a minute later. Colorado was able to take advantage of the powerplay, and Nathon MacKinnon scored with just eight seconds left in the first period.
The second period saw five goals scored. Adam Fantilli was the first to strike making the score 3-1 for the Blue Jackets. Miles Wood and Casey Mittelstadt both got goals for Colorado. Mittelstadt also scored on the powerplay. Kirill Marchenko and Chinakhov answered back though to put the Jackets up 5-3 by the end of the period.
The third period had a lot of aggressive moves from both teams, especially towards the end of the game. With under two minutes to play and an empty net, Colorado’s Ross Colton knocked the puck in the Blue Jackets goal. Shortly after that, the Blue Jackets top line was able to capitalize on the powerplay to win the game 6-4.
First Week Feelings
The Blue Jackets have a lot on their plate this season. There are new faces in every position from the GM down to the players. Looking at the way the players have carried themselves on the ice, one can see the confidence building and the chemistry starting to grow already. There will be some more hurdles along the way and growing pains but the Blue Jackets have shown the potential to change their trajectory from previous seasons.
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ next game is their home opener on Tuesday, October 15th at Nationwide Arena. They will face the most recent Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers.
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