Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction NHL Picks 10/17/24

In this article, we will formulate a Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, October 17th, at the Nationwide Arena. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Sabres’ recent form and recent player performance 

-The Blue Jackets’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Buffalo

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Columbus

-Recent betting trends in games played between Buffalo and Columbus 

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Sabres and Blue Jackets. 

Sabres Fell Just Short

The Sabres faced off against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday and they were competitive but the defense wasn’t good enough and they ended up losing 6-5 in overtime. At the end of the first period they were up 3-1 but they let the Penguins hang around and eventually ended up losing. JJ Peterka scored two goals. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen started in goal and he saved 37 of the 43 shots that he faced. 

The Sabres overall this season is averaging 2.6 goals per game while their defense is giving up 3.6 goals per game. The offense is ranked 25th in the league while the defense is ranked 21st in the league. The Sabres will meet the Blackhawks after this game.

Blue Jackets Involved in Close Games

The Blue Jackets have been involved in close games this season but in the last game, they ended up falling short. The Blue Jackets faced off against the Florida Panthers, and the offense scored three goals but the defense gave up four and that led to the defeat. Elvis Merzlikins started in goal and he wasn’t good enough facing only 22 shots but saving only 18 of them. The Blue Jackets’ defense has to be better. 

The Blue Jackets are averaging 3.67 goals while their defense is giving up 3.67 goals per game. The offense is ranked 9th in the league while the defense is ranked 23rd. 

Why the Blue Jackets Will Beat the Sabres

• The Blue Jackets have won four of their last five games as home underdogs following a loss.
• The Sabres have lost nine of their last 10 night games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in each of their last six night games at Nationwide Arena following a loss.
• The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Sabres have lost the first period in five of their last six road games after coming off overtime.

Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction

The Sabres are on tired legs, and now they are the favorite here. Yeah, I don’t think so. The Sabres’ defense was terrible in the game, and they are going to struggle again. The Blue Jackets are averaging 3.67 goals per game, and they are going to have no issue running up the score here. The Blue Jackets will score at least four goals here, and they will get the job done. Back the Blue Jackets on the money line.