NHL preseason opens with Blues winning

St Louis: The NHL preseason opened on Sunday, with the St. Louis Blues outscoring the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-3 in the first half of day-night games between split squads. Robby Fabbri and Kenny Agostino scored 65 seconds apart in the third period for the Blues in a split-squad game.

Agostino finished with two goals and two assists. Kevin Shattenkirk scored twice and added an assist. Along with his goal, Fabbri recorded two assists. Paul Statsny scored his first goal of the preseason. Samuel Blais had three assists and a goal.

Tied 2-2 entering the third, St. Louis scored three times in the first 9:51 to put the game out of reach.

Jake Allen made 13 saves on 16 shots in the first two periods before being replaced by Carter Hutton.

Scott Hartnell scored two goals and added an assist for the Blue Jackets.