Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo opens its Atlantic Division title defense against a Columbus team carrying a major goaltending question, with Elvis Merzlikins recovering from shoulder surgery and the Sabres bringing a 50-win profile into Nationwide Arena.
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| Sportsbook | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BUF +1.5 CLB -1.5 | BUF -110 CLB -110 | O 5.5 U 5.5 |
| Bovada | BUF +1.5 CLB -1.5 | BUF -105 CLB -115 | O 5.5 U 5.5 |
| Caesars | BUF -1.5 CLB +1.5 | BUF -120 CLB +100 | — |
Injury Report
Columbus has the clearest current availability concern: goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery in August and remains without a return timetable, increasing Jet Greaves' early-season importance. Buffalo's May locker-cleanout updates noted Tage Thompson's lower-back soreness and Owen Power's Grade 3 high-ankle sprain; Power said he did not expect an offseason training impact, while Thompson described his issue as manageable. Training-camp updates will sharpen the opening-night picture.
Key Players
Key Matchup Edge
Buffalo's clearest edge is proven top-end scoring backed by a 50-win season, while Columbus' biggest strength is Werenski-driven puck volume from the blue line. Merzlikins' shoulder recovery tilts early goaltending stability toward Buffalo, especially if the Sabres force Columbus to defend long shifts and chase.
3 Things to Watch
- Merzlikins recovery and Columbus goalie plan
- Buffalo road form after 24-win season
- Werenski versus Thompson shot-volume battle
Betting Breakdown
Buffalo and Columbus start the 2026-27 schedule at 0-0, so the strongest betting clues come from last season's profile and the offseason context. The Sabres finished 50-23-9, won the Atlantic Division and reached the second round, with Tage Thompson driving the offense at 40 goals and 81 points. Columbus finished 40-30-12 and missed the playoffs, but it did win two of three meetings with Buffalo, including a 5-1 home victory. That history keeps the matchup from being a simple favorite-versus-underdog read. The most important current variable is in the Columbus crease: Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery in August with no return timetable announced, increasing the likelihood that Jet Greaves carries prominent early-season responsibility. Greaves was solid last season, but Buffalo's scoring ceiling and road success create pressure if Columbus falls behind. Bettors should also watch how Zach Werenski controls possession and shot volume against a Sabres team that allowed 29.07 shots per game in 2025-26.
Buffalo Betting Outlook
Buffalo enters the new season with the stronger recent resume after a 50-23-9 campaign, an Atlantic Division title and a playoff series win. Thompson remains the offensive centerpiece after leading the club with 40 goals and 81 points, while Rasmus Dahlin gives the Sabres elite transition and power-play influence from the back end. The roster did change, most notably with Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram departing, so early chemistry matters. Still, Buffalo won 24 road games last season and closed the regular season 3-1 ATS over its final four. Against a Columbus team with a current goaltending concern, Buffalo's best betting case is sustained scoring pressure and deeper proven top-end production.
Columbus Betting Outlook
Columbus has a legitimate home upset path because it beat Buffalo twice last season and controlled the January meeting at Nationwide Arena 5-1. Werenski is the engine after a Norris-winning season with 81 points and 260 shots in 75 games, and Jet Greaves provides credible goaltending depth after posting a .908 save percentage. The concern is stability behind him while Merzlikins recovers from shoulder surgery. Columbus went 20-13-8 at home last season but finished 40-42 ATS overall and covered only one of its final four regular-season games. For the Blue Jackets to cash, Werenski must drive territory while the forwards prevent Buffalo's transition game from creating quick-strike chances.
Latest Team Buzz
Our fourth-annual Hockeyfest returns on September 12! 👀
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) August 3, 2026
Each participant will receive a commemorative Sabres gift and two tickets to our preseason game on Sep. 22. Learn more & sign up → https://t.co/YwG30JduPr#LetsGoBuffalo | @DrinkBODYARMOR pic.twitter.com/j7d8w6GIKf
LOCK 'EM IN! 🔒
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) July 31, 2026
Tickets are on sale for the 26-27 season! Grab your seats now ➡️ https://t.co/pMDAtk8bhm
CBJ x @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/FXJZbgsJAF
Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets FAQ
What is the current spread for Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
The current home spread is CLB -1.5, while the away spread is BUF +1.5.
How far has the spread moved for Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
The spread opened at CLB -1.5 and is now CLB -1.5.
What is the current moneyline for Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
The current moneyline is BUF -110 / CLB -110.
How far has the moneyline moved for Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
The moneyline opened at BUF -105 / CLB -115 and is now BUF -110 / CLB -110.
What is the current total for Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
The current total is 5.5.
How far has the total moved for Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
The total opened at 6.5 and is now 5.5.
Is the market taking the underdog in Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
Current market signal: Market Steady.
Is the market taking the favorite in Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
Current market signal: Dog Taking Support.
Is the total dropping for Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
Current totals signal: Total Dropping.
Is the total rising for Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
Current totals signal: Total Dropping.
Where to watch Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
You can watch this game on MSG. For the latest broadcast details, see Where to Watch.
Where to stream Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
You can stream this game on DAZN.
What is the best free prop bet for Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
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What is the biggest matchup edge for Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets?
Buffalo's clearest edge is proven top-end scoring backed by a 50-win season, while Columbus' biggest strength is Werenski-driven puck volume from the blue line. Merzlikins' shoulder recovery tilts early goaltending stability toward Buffalo, especially if the Sabres force Columbus to defend long shifts and chase.
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