Dressing mainly organizational depth players and prospects, the Blue Jackets dropped their second game in as many days to the Buffalo Sabres on Sept. 23 in Buffalo.

Despite getting a strong start from goalie Ivan Fedotov, who made 24 saves on 25 shots during the first two periods, the Blue Jackets came up a goal short in a 2-1 loss to Sabres at KeyBank Center. Fedotov’s replacement for the third, Zach Sawchenko, allowed the winning goal on nine shots.

More: Columbus Blue Jackets open preseason with 4-1 victory over St. Louis Blues: 3 takeaways

Miles Wood, an NHL depth forward, scored the lone Columbus goal. Next up, the Blue Jackets (1-2-0) host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sept. 24 to complete a stretch of four straight preseason games in four days.

Here are three takeaways:

Fedotov, who stands 6 feet 7, could force a tough decision for the Blue Jackets at goalie if he continues his impressive play through the remainder of this preseason. 

He started and played the first two periods against the Sabres, which was the second time he’s done that in three days. Just like he did Sept. 21 in a 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues, Fedotov allowed just one goal before Zach Sawchenko played the third.

It’s a small sample size, but Fedotov, 28, has stopped 48 of 50 shots for a 1.50 goals-against average and .950 save percentage in four periods since joining the Blue Jackets on Sept. 14 in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers. He was acquired to provide organizational depth with AHL Cleveland as a goalie with NHL experience in Philadelphia, but sneaking Fedotov through NHL waivers might be difficult if he stays hot.

The Blue Jackets started camp expecting Elvis Merzlikins and Jet Greaves to handle their NHL roles, and each would also require waivers should Fedotov be kept. Keeping all three could be an option, but that almost always creates ice time issues.

Columbus Blue Jackets depth options get closer look

The Blue Jackets’ roster in Buffalo was light on established NHL players and heavy on tweeners expected to provide organizational depth while playing in Cleveland.

Wood, one of their NHL forwards, scored the only Columbus goal on a power play 8:37 into the second period. Despite dealing with pain following a shot to his groin area, Wood got himself to the front of the net and tipped a shot by defenseman Daemon Hunt past Sabres starter Alex Lyon for a 1-0 lead. 

Wood skated on a line with fellow NHL depth forwards Isac Lundestrom and Zach Aston-Reese in a possible preview of the Blue Jackets’ fourth line.

Del Bel Belluz logs another solid performance for Columbus Blue Jackets

Luca Del Bel Belluz, 21, is trying to earn the Blue Jackets’ final forward slot to start the season. He played his second preseason game and held his own again after adding two points on a goal and assist in a 4-1 victory over the Blues on Sept. 21 at Nationwide Arena.  

Del Bel Belluz played 19:34 on 19 shifts against the Sabres, including 4:37 on power plays and 1:43 while killing penalties. He co-led the team with six attempted shots that included one on goal, four that were blocked and one that missed the net. Del Bel Belluz also led Blue Jackets centers on a tough night at the faceoff circles, going 6 of 14 (43%) on draws. 

Del Bel Belluz made a good impression while playing 15 games with the Blue Jackets last season, including a stint centering the second line, but he’s likely facing an uphill battle now. Sitting out regularly in the NHL isn’t a great way for young players to develop, so it’ll likely take Del Bel Belluz earning one of the Blue Jackets’ top 12 forward roles to stick around.

Blue Jackets reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com and @BrianHedger.bsky.socialÂ