Blue Jackets

equipped to play with them is the next challenge.

Rookie Cole Sillinger drew that responsibility early in camp. On Monday in Buffalo, a 5-3 victory for the Blue Jackets, it was veteran forward Boone Jenner. It turned out to be a good combination, as all three scored goals and combined for six points (three goals, three assists).

Voracek and Jenner capped power plays with goals. Laine scored his first goal of the preseason with a nice shot after receiving an even better feed from Voracek below the goal line. Spotting Laine near the slot, he sent a pinpoint pass to the Finnish sharpshooter through the legs of Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, the NHL’S No. 1 overall pick in 2018.

“It’s pretty simple on that kind of situation,” Voracek said. “You have Jenner go in on the first guy to try to cut that pass across (on the forecheck), and usually when you pick (the puck) up, there’s going to be somebody open in front of the net. It’s a good thing it was Patty.”

Voracek also set up Jenner’s a goal 1:35 into the second to cap a power play, sending him a pass from the blue line to the net-front for a great scoring chance. Jenner had time to wheel around and slide the puck between goalie Ukkopekka Luukkonen’s pads for a 3-1 lead.

It was the second game in a row Voracek has hit Jenner with a pass to the front of the net for a power-play goal.

“When I’m under pressure, he needs to pop a little further from the net, so he gives me that (pass) option,” Voracek said. “If I’m not under pressure, he can stay in front. It’s about chemistry, and obviously we’re working on it and talking about it all the time. It’s been working well so far, but it’s the preseason. It’s going to be a different animal in the regular season.”

Adding Jenner, a defensively responsible center who hounds pucks for retrievals, to the middle of their line is also interesting.

“I like them,” Blue Jackets coach Brad Larsen said. “I liked their line tonight. They brought energy. You see what Jake brings to a line. He’s got passion for the game. Even in a preseason game, he’s got some juice on the bench and it’s good to see.”

Asked what type of center would pair best with he and Laine, two defensively challenged wingers, he smiled and cut straight to the obvious.

“I’d say a really responsible center defensively,” Voracek said. “Let’s be honest about that.” bhedger@dispatch.com @Brianhedger

ADAM CAIRNS/ COLUMBUS DISPATCH In two exhibition games, Jakub Voracek (pictured) and Patrik Laine have combined for two goals, five assists and seven points.