The Blue Jackets closed out their final preseason home game with a clean 4-0 shutout of the Pittsburgh Penguins, getting goals from Zach Werenski, Val Nichushkin, Danton Heinen and Kirill Marchenko.
Cam Talbot handled the rest. The veteran goaltender turned aside all 15 shots he saw in a quiet night that gave Columbus its second preseason shutout and second win.
There was plenty for the Blue Jackets to like beyond the scoreline, especially with Pittsburgh rolling out a largely AHL-heavy lineup. Several Columbus players were seeing their first game action of the preseason and made the most of it.
Charlie Elick was one of the names that stood out. He logged 24 minutes alongside Werenski and picked up the primary assist on Werenski’s first-period goal. Elick finished with an assist, two shots, a plus-2 rating, one block and three hits.
Luke Tuch also kept making his presence felt. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound 24-year-old delivered eight hits against Pittsburgh, adding to the physical work he’s already put on tape this preseason.
He had six hits and six penalty minutes against Buffalo, then five hits and five penalty minutes against Detroit. He looks like a player who could end up in Cleveland this season and help lighten the load for tougher minutes from players like James Malatesta.
Werenski scored his first preseason goal in his first game and played 24 minutes. Nichushkin also found the net for the first time, finishing with three shots and a plus-2.
Dmitri Voronkov set up two goals without taking a shot, while Heinen added a goal and two shots. Marchenko capped it with an empty-netter and three shots.
Kent Johnson also picked up an assist.
Columbus controlled the faceoff circle, winning 63.6% of draws, 21 of 33. The Jackets finished with 27 hits and 13 blocks, and neither team had a power-play chance since Pittsburgh did not draw a penalty.
The Blue Jackets now head back on the road Saturday to face the Detroit Red Wings in their final preseason game.
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Blue Jackets Face A Tough Marchenko Decision They Didn't Want
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The list also includes names that hit harder for fans who have been around awhile, because No. 7 has often been tied to bigger turning points than the number on the back of the sweater suggests. Jack Johnsons arrival and later movement, Jeff Carters short stay, and Sean Kuralys recent run all left different kinds of marks, and the latest player to wear it is stepping into that lineage rather than just a clean slate. For a team that has spent years trying to stabilize its identity, even a jersey number can feel like a reminder of how much has changed, and how much history still lingers. [Read more 🡒]