Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions October 28th 2025

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets travel to face the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Both teams enter this matchup with renewed confidence, looking to climb the Eastern Conference standings. The Blue Jackets have won three straight road games, while the Sabres are heating up at home after a slow start.

Line Movement and Odds

Buffalo opened as a slight favorite at –119 on the moneyline, with Columbus listed at –101. The total is set at 6.5 goals, reflecting both teams’ recent offensive bursts. Early betting trends favor the over, with both sides scoring at least four goals in two of their last three outings.

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Columbus Blue Jackets Outlook

Columbus continues to show resilience on the road, improving to 4-4-0 after edging Pittsburgh 5-4 in a shootout. The Blue Jackets have now won three of their last four games overall and sit 3-1-0 away from home — a major improvement from last year’s 14-23-4 road record.

Dmitri Voronkov has been red-hot, posting a four-game point streak (three goals, two assists) and tying for the team lead with nine points in eight contests. Boone Jenner continues to lead by example, while Charlie Coyle and Yegor Chinakhov have added timely scoring depth.

Goaltending remains steady between Elvis Merzlikins and Jet Greaves, as coach Dean Evason alternates starts. Merzlikins has gone 3-0-0 on the road, and Greaves is projected to get the nod in Buffalo.

Columbus Blue Jackets Injury Report

• Luca Marrelli – out (shoulder)
• Miles Wood – questionable (facial injury)

Buffalo Sabres Outlook

After a rocky 0-3 start, Buffalo has collected points in five of its last six games (4-1-1). The Sabres are now 4-5-1 overall and have won four straight at KeyBank Center.

Tage Thompson is finding his rhythm again, scoring three goals over the weekend, including two in a 4-3 overtime loss to Toronto. He leads the team in both goals (4) and points (8). Alex Tuch and Dylan Cozens continue to drive Buffalo’s transition offense, and the team ranks top five in power-play efficiency with seven power-play goals.

Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen returned from injury with an 18-save performance and should start again, as rookie Colten Ellis remains sidelined. Coach Don Granato has praised the team’s commitment to defensive structure, limiting opponents to 28.7 shots per game during their home streak.

Buffalo Sabres Injury Report

• Colten Ellis – questionable (back)
• Jordan Greenway – out (mid-body)
• Josh Norris – out (upper body)
• Jacob Bryson – questionable (concussion)
• Michael Kesselring – out (undisclosed)
• Tyson Kozak – out (lower body)
• Carson Meyer – out (knee)

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

The battle in net could determine this one. Columbus has been efficient on the road, averaging 3.25 goals away from home, while Buffalo thrives on the man advantage, converting at nearly 25 percent. The Blue Jackets will look to stay disciplined and rely on their balanced forecheck, while Buffalo’s top line led by Thompson aims to exploit open ice and test Greaves early.

Best Bets and Prediction

This matchup features two clubs trending upward after early struggles. Columbus’ road confidence makes them a live underdog, but Buffalo’s home form and special teams edge tilt the matchup slightly toward the hosts.

Projected Score: Sabres 4, Blue Jackets 3
Best Bet: Over 6.5 goals (-107)
Secondary Lean: Sabres Moneyline (-119)

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