COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ultimately, the Blue Jackets’ 7-1 preseason win over St. Louis on Thursday doesn’t matter any more than their 8-1 preseason loss in Carolina on Monday. Two important developments occurred Thursday, in addition to a long list superlatives.
Captain Boone JennerHe made his preseason debut after being carefully accompanied during training camp. He was between Johnny Gaudreau Patrik Leine on the Blue Jackets’ No. 1 line and looked like … well, Boone Jenner.
As important is the goaltender. Daniil TarasovAfter his hip surgery, he was able to play a full game and had a 24-save shutout.
The front office can breathe easy now. The Blue Jackets are almost certain to rely on Tarasov as Elvis Merzlikins’ backup in the early part of the regular season while Joonas KorpisaloAfter having hip surgery in April, he is now up to speed.
The Blue Jackets’ final preseason game is on Saturday in Washington. Coach Brad Larsen stated that the plan is to dress a nearly full NHL roster with just a few players fighting for the last roster spots on Monday.
