Buffalo vs Columbus Prediction 22 September 2026
π Buffalo have already played their first preseason game, but it ended in disappointment-a loss to Pittsburgh. Still, itβs too early to draw any major conclusions: the Sabres iced a lineup made up mostly of AHL regulars, young prospects, and depth players. Now Buffalo return home to face Columbus. The history between these two sides suggests we should expect goals.
Head-to-Head
π In head-to-head matchups, the Blue Jackets have a clear edge in scoring. Columbus have netted a total of 152 goals against Buffalo, while the Sabres have managed 130 in response-a difference of 22 goals. The average total for these encounters stands at 6.23. However, itβs worth noting that Buffalo rarely reach the five-goal mark in these games.
Head-to-head statistics Buffalo - Columbus
Buffalo Sabres Team Overview
For their first preseason game, the Sabres fielded a predominantly young lineup and fell to Pittsburgh, 1-4. Jake Richard netted Buffaloβs lone goal, converting on the power play in the second period with Zach Metsa providing the assist. Metsa also logged a team-high 21:55 on the ice. There was particular focus on JiΕΓ Kulich and Justin Danforth, both returning after lengthy absences. Kulich skated 19:39, registered three shots on target, and won five of his 12 faceoffs. Danforth, in 17:32 of ice time, tallied two shots and delivered two hits. Between the pipes, Alex Lyon stopped 16 of 19 shots over two periods before Colten Ellis turned aside all eight attempts he faced in the third.
Match Results: Buffalo Sabres
Columbus Blue Jackets Team Overview
The Blue Jackets have already begun trimming their training camp roster-following the latest cuts, 49 players remain in camp. That group includes 28 forwards, 15 defensemen, and six goaltenders. Six players have exited the camp: three were reassigned to their junior teams, while tryout agreements with another three have ended. There is no updated information on Columbusβs current roster or the result of their first preseason game in the data provided, so we wonβt be assessing the teamβs early form based on their opening fixture just yet.
Match Results: Columbus Blue Jackets
βοΈ Editorial Prediction
The head-to-head encounters between these teams tend to be high-scoring, but thereβs a key detail-Buffalo rarely puts five goals past Columbus. In 16 of their last 17 preseason meetings, the Sabres have finished under 4.5 goals, and on home ice, they've stayed under that mark in seven of their previous eight matchups with the Blue Jackets. Buffaloβs opening game of this preseason also didn't showcase much offense, as their experimental lineup managed just one goal against Pittsburgh. For the hosts to hit five goals here would require a significant break from the long-standing trend in this fixture. My pick: Buffalo Sabres individual total under 4.5 goals.
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Betting Tips: Buffalo Sabres - Columbus Blue Jackets
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