The Buffalo Sabres may call their home arena a fortress, but the stats from their recent games paint a different picture. They've been averaging just 0.6 goals per game, and their defense hasn't been much better, letting in an average of 3 goals. On the other hand, while Columbus Blue Jackets' away offense hasn't been exactly explosive, their defensive record is more impressive, conceding just 2.6 goals on average. Factoring in the Sabres' 1-4 home record and the Blue Jackets' recent dominance over Buffalo with a 3-2 record, it's not hard to see why the scales tip in favor of the Ohio team. It's a critical matchup, and I'm backing the Blue Jackets to cover the 4.5 spread.
Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets : Columbus Blue Jackets +1.5 (-263)
Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing
As we gear up for this face-off between the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets, let's take a look at the recent performance and trends for both teams. The Sabres have been struggling on home ice, winning just once in their last five games. Their offence has been rather unimpressive, averaging only 0.6 goals per game. On the defensive side, they've been leaking goals, conceding an average of 3 per game.
The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, have been holding their own on the road with a 2-3 record in their last five away games. Their defence has been slightly more solid, with an average of 2.6 goals against.
Given these stats, it seems like the Blue Jackets have the edge, especially when considering the Sabres' feeble offence. So, my bet's on Columbus Blue Jackets covering the 1.5 puck line.
Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets : Columbus Blue Jackets win (+100)
Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing
You've got to love the smell of a good NHL matchup. This Thursday, we're looking at the Buffalo Sabres squaring up against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and I've got a sneaky feeling the Jackets are going to pull off a win on the road. I know, I know, Buffalo has home ice advantage, but let's look at the trend here. The Sabres have been struggling to find the back of the net, averaging only 0.6 goals in their last five home games compared to the Jackets' more defensively sound record, with an average of just 2.6 goals against on the road. The Sabres just haven't been able to capitalize on their home turf, as shown in their recent 1-4 home record. And let's not forget, the Jackets have a slight edge in their recent head-to-head matchups, leading 3-2. So yeah, my money's on Columbus.