The Buffalo Sabres have already secured a play-off spot and are steadily preparing for the knockout games, while the Columbus Blue Jackets are fighting desperately to get into the wild-card zone.
Buffalo Sabres
They have slowed down slightly in recent matches, losing five of their last nine games. However, they remain very strong on home ice: Lindy Ruff’s side collect 69.2% of their points at home and are in the league’s top four for scoring on their own rink (3.61 goals per game). Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is in excellent form: he is not only keeping them competitive (90.9% save percentage) but even providing assists – he recorded one against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 4:2 win. In the latest game against the New York Rangers (5:3), the key figures were Zach Benson, who scored twice, and Jason Zucker and Ryan McLeod, who each produced a goal and an assist. However, the upcoming fixture will be their second in two days, so it is unlikely to be straightforward for the hosts.
Columbus Blue Jackets
They are battling through the end of the season mainly on character, but the results are poor: seven defeats in their last nine games. Bowness’s side have stalled offensively, averaging only 1.8 goals in that stretch. Only the outstanding efforts of Zach Werenski, who is second among the league’s defencemen in scoring, are allowing them to pick up points. The shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings kept their play-off hopes alive, but their away form (10th from bottom in road goals scored) does not inspire confidence ahead of the trip to Buffalo.
Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction
This season the Blue Jackets have already beaten the Sabres twice, including one emphatic 5:1 victory. However, the situation is different now: the hosts have built momentum at home with three wins in a row, while the visitors look worn down by the play-off race. We expect the hosts not to lose in regulation time.
