Columbus Blue Jacket trample Buffalo Sabres 4-1, break winning streak –NHL Preseason Update
Buffalo Sabres were enjoying one of the best seasons they have had in recent years, but had their four-game winning streak trampled upon by a rowdy Columbus Blue Jackets franchise as they lost, 4-1, on Sunday, September 25, at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus,
Ohio.
Over 10,000 spectators showed up to witness a rejuvenated Blue Jackets club which had its eyes set on winning after a shaky performance in the past four matchups. They were their first preseason game without veteran enforcer, James Wisniewski, who was suspended
after their last contest with Minnesota Wild for an illegal hit.
Columbus outshot Buffalo by a 27-20 difference, but Blue Jackets young goalie, Steve Mason, remained firm in his position and only let one goal through him, blocking all remaining 19 shots.
“Preseason is one thing; the regular season is another”, said Mason. “But right now, with my game, and the things I’ve been working on with (goaltending coach Ian Clark), maybe I’m slowly seeing them come into my game and helping me in different areas”.
Jeff Carter opened up the scoring by firing up midway through the first during Buffalo’s first penalty of the match as defenseman, Mike Weber, was penalised for boarding. Grant Clitsome added another with 1:02 remaining an solidified their position entering
the second period.
Columbus not only added two more goals to the scoreboard as Ryan Johansen and Dane Byers each scored nearly three minutes apart but also killed two power play opportunities during the final moments of the second 20 minutes.
It was most likely their goaltender, Steve Mason, who had a hand in keeping Buffalo out of the net, but it certainly did not go unnoticed by Columbus coach, Scott Arniel.
“(Mason) seems like a guy who is at ease with himself and confident”, coach, Scott Arniel, said. “And I just want to keep him that way”.
Tyler Myers finally put Buffalo on the board at the half mark during the final period on their fourth power play opportunity of the match, but it was not enough to catch up by any means.
Columbus Blue Jackets and Buffalo Sabres are up against Washington Capitals next on the 26th and 30th of September respectively.
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