Columbus Got Pummeled 5-1, But The Real Story Is Who Was On The Ice

Buffalo just absolutely blasted Columbus 5-1 on September 22nd at KeyBank Center, and yeah, that score stings, but let’s be real, the Blue Jackets weren’t exactly rolling out their A-team. This wasn’t some shocking upset, it was exactly what you’d expect when a team of mostly AHL prospects goes up against almost the entire projected NHL roster for the Sabres.

The Scoreboard Tells One Story…

It was tight early on, with a 0-0 deadlock after the first period. You love to see that kind of fight! But then the floodgates opened in the second period, with Buffalo ripping off three goals. Josh Norris got the party started for the Sabres, and then Noah Ostund piled on with two consecutive goals to make it 3-0. Buffalo tacked on two more in the third, making it a five-goal night for them. Corson Ceulemans netted the lone goal for Columbus, giving them something to cheer about amidst the onslaught. Veteran goalie Cam Talbot held down the fort for the first two periods, with rookie Evan Gardner stepping in for the third.

…But The Rosters Tell Another

Look, you send a squad of mostly prospects against the big boys, you’re gonna have a rough night. Columbus knew what they were doing, giving their up-and-comers some serious ice time against NHL talent. The Blue Jackets now sit at a 1-1-0 preseason record after this tilt. It’s a tough loss, sure, but the experience these young guys got is invaluable.

The Blue Jackets still have a couple more exhibition games left. They’re back home at Nationwide Arena on September 24th to host the Pittsburgh Penguins, then they wrap up their preseason slate in Detroit on September 26th. What’s *really* wild? Their regular season kicks off on October 1st, and guess who they play? The *same Buffalo Sabres* at Nationwide Arena! That rematch is gonna be absolutely wild after this preseason beatdown, and you know Columbus will be fired up for it.

This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.

Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.