| 1 | 2 | 3 | T | ODDS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLM | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| BUF | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -170 |
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Columbus Blue Jackets vs
Buffalo SabresPredictions & Preview
Columbus Blue Jackets Gear Up to Face Buffalo Sabres in Crucial Eastern Conference Showdown
The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to take on the Buffalo Sabres in a key Eastern Conference matchup. Columbus is coming off a loss to the Dallas Stars, ending a three-game winning streak, while Buffalo has won three straight. Columbus currently holds the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, while Buffalo is 12 points behind. Both teams will be missing key players for the game. Buffalo is the favorite in the betting lines, opening at -166. Be sure to check out our expert prediction for this game and make your NHL picks.
Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Blue Jackets +147 | Sabres -165
- Spread: Blue Jackets +1.5 (-175) | Sabres -1.5 (+150)
- Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)
- Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Buffalo will win straight-up is 62%.
Columbus vs Buffalo Stats
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets have a strong offense, ranking 5th in the league with an average of 3.35 goals scored per game. However, their defense ranks 26th, allowing an average of 3.29 goals against per game. Columbus currently has a 26-20-7 record for the season. The team's power play is ranked 16th, converting 21.5% of their opportunities, while their penalty kill is ranked 27th, holding opponents scoreless 74.7% of the time. Leading goal scorers for Columbus include Kirill Marchenko with 21 goals and Zach Werenski with 17 goals. Werenski also leads in assists with 40, and points with 57. The team has a total of 10 players with 20 points or more. In goal, Elvis Merzlikins has a record of 19-12-3 with a goals-against average of 2.96 and a save percentage of .895. Overall, Columbus has a power ranking of 7.
Buffalo Sabres Analysis
The Buffalo Sabres have shown strong offensive capabilities with a goals-for average of 3.1, ranking them 11th in the league. However, their defense has struggled, ranking 30th with a goals-against average of 3.4. The team averages 27.9 shots per game (19th) and allows 29.3 shots per game (25th). Their power play efficiency is 27th, scoring on 16.3% of their opportunities, while their penalty kill is 20th, holding opponents scoreless 78.5% of the time. Tage Thompson leads the team in goals and points, with Rasmus Dahlin leading in assists. JJ Peterka follows closely behind in assists and points. Buffalo has 10 players with 20 points or more. Alex Tuch leads in plus/minus. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has a record of 18-15-4 with a 2.97 GAA, .897 SV%, and 2 shutouts. Overall, the Sabres have a power ranking of 27 and are currently at 21-26-5. In their last three matchups, Buffalo went 2-1-0 against Columbus.
Columbus Blue Jackets Shine in Offensive and Defensive Domains, Outperforming Buffalo Sabres
Columbus is currently outperforming Buffalo in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. The Blue Jackets are ranked 8th in the league for goals scored and 27th for goals allowed, while Buffalo ranks 11th in goals scored and 30th in goals allowed. Elvis Merzlikins has been a standout performer in goal for Columbus, boasting 19 wins in 34 appearances along with a 2.96 goals against average, .895 save percentage, and one shutout. In addition, Columbus has demonstrated a balanced offensive attack with eight players scoring 10 goals or more and six players accumulating 31 points or more. With 10 wins in their last 14 games, Columbus has been on a successful streak. In contrast, the Sabres are struggling defensively, allowing an average of 3.4 goals against per game.
