Sigalet, Blunden score 26 seconds apart as Jackets top Thrashers in preseason game

Columbus rides big 1st period to win over Atlanta

ATLANTA — Jonathan Sigalet and Mike Blunden scored 26 seconds apart in the first period and the Columbus Blue Jackets won their preseason opener under new coach Scott Arneil, 5-2 over the Atlanta Thrashers on Tuesday night.

Tom Sestito had a goal and two assists for the Blue Jackets, who also got goals from Oliver Gabreil and Matt Calvert. Kyle Wilson and Nate Guenin each had two assists.

Bryan Little had a goal and an assist for the Thrashers, who were playing their first game under coach Craig Ramsey. Fredrik Pettersson had the other Atlanta goal.

Mathieu Garon started in goal for Columbus and made 12 saves on 13 shots before giving way to David LeNeveu late in the second period. Ondrej Pavelec went all the way for the Thrashers, facing 26 shots.

Columbus led 2-0 before six minutes elapsed. Sigalet put a slap shot past Pavelec before Wilson fed Blunden in front for an easy goal.

Little scored a power-play goal with 5 minutes left in the first period, but the Blue Jackets regained their two-goal edge 90 seconds into the second. Gabreil scored on a breakaway, and Columbus increased its lead on a tip-in by Calvert early in the third.

Pettersson made it 4-2 before Sestito scored during a power play with just under 5 minutes left.