The Buffalo Sabres head into Columbus for a matchup against the Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Both teams are looking to bounce back after some really tough losses, but the bookmakers are thinking Columbus may have the edge early in the game and we’re going to have to agree with that even though the Sabres are favorites overall.
The Sabres are coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Penguins last night, while the Blue Jackets had a couple of days to rest after their loss to the Panthers. With tired legs on Buffalo's side, expect a competitive game from Columbus.
Moneyline: Columbus Blue Jackets +106, Buffalo Sabres -132
Over/Under: 6.5 goals
The odds highlight Buffalo's status as the slight favorite, but the energy deficit from playing back-to-back games cannot be overlooked. We got this one wrong in the Penguins vs Red Wings last week, but we’re going to stick with the fatigue pick.
Buffalo has had a rough start to the season, with a 1-3 record that highlights some glaring issues.
Their offense is managing just 2.6 goals per game. This places them 25th in the league, while their defense is surrendering 3.6 goals per contest, ranking 21st. Overall, that’s not a good look for the team.
Last night’s overtime loss to Pittsburgh exposed their defensive shortcomings — again — with goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen allowing six goals on 43 shots.
Fatigue is a major factor here. Playing three games in four nights, Buffalo’s players will likely have heavy legs, especially on defense. They’ll be sluggish to make quick reactions on the ice. While they’ve shown flashes of offensive potential, like JJ Peterka’s two-goal performance last night, they’ve struggled to maintain momentum late in games.
Columbus has also had a bumpy start, sitting at 1-2, but their offense has been much sharper. They’re averaging 3.67 goals per game, good for 9th in the NHL.
Defensively, however, they’ve struggled quite a bit, allowing 3.67 goals per game, which puts them in 23rd place. Goalie Elvis Merzlikins has been inconsistent, but with a rested squad and home-ice advantage, the Blue Jackets are in a great position to exploit a tired Buffalo team.
Historically, the Blue Jackets have performed well when playing as home underdogs following a loss, covering the puck line in six straight night games at Nationwide Arena after a loss. Columbus should come out firing on all cylinders, particularly in the first period, as they try to capitalize on Buffalo's early-game fatigue.
Buffalo’s tired legs and defensive lapses set the stage for a strong start from Columbus.
While the Sabres have some firepower in their lineup, the quick turnaround from last night’s overtime game against Pittsburgh will make it difficult for them to keep pace early.
Our Best Bet: Columbus Blue Jackets First Period Money Line (+100).
With fresher legs and home-ice energy, Columbus should come out strong and have a good chance to win the first period. The overall game is a tough bet, but the easy pick here is the first period.
For the full game, the Sabres might rally late, but with Columbus showing they can score consistently, backing them to take control early seems like the smart move.
While Buffalo may recover as the game wears on, expect Columbus to hold the advantage when it matters most in the opening 20 minutes.
If you're looking for an additional angle to bet on, you might want to take the Over 6.5 total goals. Both teams have struggled defensively, and with tired legs in play, we expect plenty of scoring opportunities on both ends. We think this prediction is a no-brainer.