| MATCHUP | Buffalo Sabres | Columbus Blue Jackets |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 21-15-4 | 18-16-6 |
| Where | Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH | |
| When | Saturday, January 3, 2026 | |
| Time | 03:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres beat the Stars and Blues, and they play the Canucks next. The Sabres have won 10 straight games.
The Buffalo Sabres are averaging 3.1 goals per game and are scoring 18.8 percent of their power play opportunities. Tage Thompson leads Buffalo with 20 goals, Rasmus Dahlin has 24 assists, and Josh Doan has 98 shots on goal. Defensively, the Buffalo Sabres are allowing 3.1 goals per game and are killing 85 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Alex Lyon has given up 54 goals on 577 shots faced, and Colten Ellis has allowed 24 goals on 228 shots.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Senators, lost to the Devils, and play the Penguins next. The Blue Jackets have split their last 8 games.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are averaging 2.92 goals per game and are scoring 18.6 percent of their power play opportunities. Zach Werenski leads Columbus with 14 goals, Charlie Coyle has 19 assists and Adam Fantilli has 107 shots on goal. Defensively, the Columbus Blue Jackets are allowing 3.33 goals per game and are killing 75 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Jet Greaves has allowed 68 goals on 747 shots faced, and Elvis Merzlikins has given up 54 goals on 440 shots.
Why the Columbus Blue Jackets will win
- The Blue Jackets have won each of their last six day games at Nationwide Arena following a home loss.
- The Sabres have lost 10 of their last 13 road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in each of their last seven day games at Nationwide Arena following a loss.
- The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in nine of their last 12 games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Sabres have lost the first period in four of their last five games.
Why the Buffalo Sabres will win
- The Sabres have won each of their last 11 games following a road win.
- The Blue Jackets have lost each of their last six Saturday games.
- The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last five games.
- The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games at Nationwide Arena following a loss.
- The Sabres have won the second period in five of their last six games against Metropolitan Division opponents when tied after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Nine of the Blue Jackets’ last 10 games against the Sabres following a loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Sabres’ last four day games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in eight of the Sabres’ last nine road games against the Blue Jackets.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 14 of the Blue Jackets’ last 15 home games against opponents on a winning streak.
Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts
- Kirill Marchenko has scored at least one goal in three of the Blue Jackets’ last four games.
- Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in 15 of the Blue Jackets’ last 17 home games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Kirill Marchenko has recorded at least four shots in each of his last three appearances – equal-longest active streak in the league.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Ryan McLeod has recorded at least one assist in eight of the Sabres’ last 10 road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Josh Dunne has recorded three shots against the Blue Jackets this season – equal-most against any opponent.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Columbus Blue Jackets have suffered the equal-most losses when tied or leading after Period 1 this season (16).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets have suffered the most losses when tied or leading after Period 2 this season (13).
- The Buffalo Sabres have recorded the equal-longest winning streak (10 games) in the NHL this season.
- The Buffalo Sabres have recorded the longest road winning streak (7 games) in the NHL this season.
Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction
The Blue Jackets just don’t win enough to trust, and that defensive effort isn’t great. The Sabres also keep getting these cheap prices but are riding a 10-game winning streak. The Sabres haven’t lost since December 8. While this run won’t last forever, we’re to the point where we blindly back the Sabres until the tickets stop cashing. It’s that simple. The Sabres are playing fantastic hockey at both ends and have been a cash cow during this stretch. Give me the Sabres.