The Columbus Blue Jackets were unsuccessful in their road opener due to impressive goaltending by the Nashville Predators’ star Jusse Saros. The 37 save performance led to a 2-1 regulation victory for the home team in Dante Fabbro’s return to Nashville for the first time since his waiver claim last season. 

Former Penguins’ winger Michael Bunting gave the Predators a 1-0 lead at 6:45 of the first period on a slap shot from the right face-off circle after his original shot was blocked. Erik Haula had the lone assist.

Columbus’ top left winger Dmitry Voronkov tied it 1-1 at 16:01 on a one-handed redirection from the slot by Damon Severson given to him by Denton Mateychuk.

Ryan O’Reilly capitalized on the powerplay 34 seconds after the Zach Aston-Resse trip alone in front of Greaves. Filip Forsberg and a healthy Roman Josi had the winning helpers. 

Jet Greaves saved 29 of 31 shots, keeping the Jackets alive in the contest. He could be the dark horse in the Calder race this season. Having the opening night assignment over Elvis Merzlikins is great news for the youngster, as he closed last season strong. The carryover of momentum is a story to watch over the upcoming months. 

The Blue Jackets’ offense had three debuting forwards, including free agent addition Issac Lundestrom and trade package Miles Wood and Charlie Coyle. Both centers had 60% and better winning percentages off the draw. The three forwards combined for 6 hits and 2 shots on goal.

Adam Fantilli was my Columbus skater to watch as he is entering the final year of his entry level contract and starts the season without a new extension. Fantilli was a -1 with a giveaway, takeaway, and blocked shot. The Nobleton native also had 2 shots on goal and hits with a 45.5 faceoff winning percentage, worst of the 4 centers. 

Brady Martin was my Nashville player to watch becuase he was one of five 2025 first round draft picks making their opening night rosters out of training camp. Unusually for top prospects, Martin is starting on the Predators’ top line as the number one center. Martin was a -1 with a block and 2 giveaways in 12:44TOI.

Saros had 37 saves on 38 shots faced for a 0.974 save percentage.

Jet Greaves – L, 29 saves, 93.5 SV%Dmitry Voronkov – goal (1), +1, 2SOGDamon Severson – assist (1), 19:57TOI, +1

Perfect timing. #CBJ Fabbro gets sent to the penalty box for interference, just before his “Welcome back to Nashville” tribute video plays during a timeout.

Fabbro, sitting in the penalty box, waves from his chair.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) October 10, 2025

The $17M man Kirill Kaprizov welcome back former bench boss Dean Evason in Minnesota. What a way to celebrate Adam Fantilli’s 21st birthday!