After a long day of hockey, the Blue Jackets are already two games into their preseason.
Splitting split-squad games played Sunday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, a 3-2 shootout loss in the afternoon at PPG Paints Arena followed by a 4-3 overtime win at Nationwide Arena, the Jackets provided a glimpse of what they might look like. It’s a good thing it was only the start of the preseason, because each games was a decidedly mixed bag for the Jackets’ coaching staff to breakdown on video when camp resumes Tuesday.
Jack Roslovic and Owen Sillinger scored for the Blue Jackets (1-0-1) in the first game, including the latter forcing OT with his goal late in the third period in Pittsburgh. Carson Meyer scored two goals to lead the Jackets in the nightcap at Nationwide Arena, which included a goal by Alexandre Texier in his return to the NHL.
Rookie forward Jordan Dumais, one of the most impressive players at the Jackets’ prospect showcase prior to camp, won the second game at 2:45 of OT with his first goal of the preseason. Taking a crisp cross-ice pass from Kent Johnson, Dumais zipped a wrist shot from the right circle under the crossbar and out for the winning goal.
Rookie Adam Fantilli, selected third overall by the Blue Jackets at the NHL draft in late June, had two primary assists on goals by Texier and Meyer while logging 21:36 on 19 shifts.
Elvis Merzlikins started in net for the Blue Jackets and played the first two periods of the second game. He allowed three goals on 21 shots before Pavel Cajan took over to pick up a win by going 8-for-8 on saves (7 for 7 in the third).
Jet Greaves (15 for 17) and Aaron Dell (11 for 11) split the net evenly in Pittsburgh, where Dell was beaten twice in the shootout loss.
bhedger@dispatch.com
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets split two against Penguins to open preseason
