Jackets rout WIld 7-1 in preseason opener

Columbus, OH

The preseason is underway in Clutch, and the Blue Jackets got off to an excellent start with a 7-1 drubbing of rival Minnesota. Bryan Smolinski led the way with a 1 goal and 2 assists and youngster Jeff Tambellini netted 2 goals himself. Tambellini played an outstanding game finishing a whopping +5 on the night Goaltender Michael Tellqvist turned away 37 of 38 shots and Columbus cruised to an easy win. Duvie Westcott was ejected in third for a brutal crosscheck on Wild forward Blake Bellefeuille.