The Buffalo Sabres (21-14-4) will attempt to continue a seven-game road win streak when they play the Columbus Blue Jackets (17-16-6) on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
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Here is our pick for who will capture the win in Saturday's matchup.
The Blue Jackets have put up 28 goals over their last 10 games, while giving up 28 goals. A total of 31 power-play opportunities during that span have netted six power-play goals (19.4%). They are 4-6-0 over those games.
Sabres vs. Blue Jackets Predictions for Saturday
Our computer model for this encounter calls for a final result of Blue Jackets 4, Sabres 3.
- Moneyline Pick: Blue Jackets (-109)
- Total Pick: No Pick - Predicted Margin Negligible
- Spread Pick: Blue Jackets (+1.5)
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Sabres Splits and Trends
- The Sabres (21-14-4 overall) have a 6-4-10 record in games that have required overtime.
- In the eight games Buffalo has played that were decided by one goal, it has a 4-0-4 record (good for 12 points).
- In the four games this season the Sabres scored just one goal, they finished 0-3-1.
- Buffalo has taken four points from the seven games this season when it scored two goals (2-5-0 record).
- The Sabres have scored at least three goals 25 times, and are 19-3-3 in those games (to record 41 points).
- In the 13 games when Buffalo has recorded a lone power-play goal, it went 8-3-2 to record 18 points.
- In the 17 games when it outshot its opponent, Buffalo is 8-7-2 (18 points).
- The Sabres have been outshot by opponents in 22 games, going 13-7-2 to register 28 points.
Blue Jackets Splits and Trends
- The Blue Jackets have a 17-16-6 record this season and are 7-6-13 in matchups that have needed overtime.
- Columbus has earned 17 points (6-7-5) in its 18 games that finished with a one-goal margin.
- Across the nine games this season the Blue Jackets finished with just one goal, they have earned four points.
- Columbus failed to win all six games this season when it scored two goals.
- The Blue Jackets have scored three or more goals 23 times, earning 36 points from those matchups (16-3-4).
- Columbus has scored a lone power-play goal in 12 games this season and has recorded 15 points from those matchups.
- When outshooting its opponent this season, Columbus is 9-9-3 (21 points).
- The Blue Jackets have been outshot by opponents 18 times this season, and earned 19 points in those games.
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Team Stats Comparison
| Sabres Rank | Sabres AVG | Blue Jackets AVG | Blue Jackets Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15th | 3.1 | Goals Scored | 2.92 | 20th |
| 16th | 3.1 | Goals Allowed | 3.33 | 26th |
| 12th | 28.6 | Shots | 29.9 | 4th |
| 25th | 29 | Shots Allowed | 30.5 | 30th |
| 18th | 18.8% | Power Play % | 18.63% | 19th |
| 2nd | 85.05% | Penalty Kill % | 75% | 29th |
Sabres vs. Blue Jackets Game Time and TV Channel
- When: Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
- Where: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio
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