Columbus Blue Jackets vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, Picks & Odds | 09 Apr 2026

NHL Betting Preview: Blue Jackets vs Sabres

The Columbus Blue Jackets meet the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center, with face-off scheduled for 19:00 on Thursday, April 9.

We’re expecting the Blue Jackets and the Sabres to score a modest number of goals and that leads us to an Under 6.5 prediction. Let’s grab the -128 that this outcome happens.

Columbus Blue Jackets triumphed in their previous game. It was on the road where Detroit Red Wings were beaten 4-3 (SO) at Little Caesars Arena. Zach Werenski, Adam Fantilli and Danton Heinen scored one goal apiece.

Buffalo Sabres have triumphed in their last three home games. Most recently, they won on the road when beating New York Rangers 5-3 at Madison Square Garden. Zach Benson scored two goals, with Alex Tuch, Ryan McLeod and Jason Zucker also scoring.

Head-to-Head Statistics

It was a 5-1 win for the Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena when they last played the Sabres. The Blue Jackets have racked up three straight victories over the Sabres. On the head-to-head front, they have won 6 of the past 10.

Starting Goalies

Jet Greaves (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	26-19-9	2.6	.908	2
23/24	3-6-0	3.49	.908	0

Colten Ellis (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	8-4-2	2.9	.903	1

3 wins, 6 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 2.1 goals from 23.4 shots on goal, with a 7.4% powerplay efficiency. The Blue Jackets have been giving up 2.8 goals from 27.7 shots, averaging 3.0 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 70.0%.

Zach Werenski and Mason Marchment are the top points scorers. They have both scored 8 points over the past 10 games, including 2 goals and 6 assists. Goalie Jet Greaves have a 2.41 goal against average with a .915 save percentage.

The Sabres have 5 wins, 3 losses and 2 overtime losses, averaging 3.2 goals from 30.4 shots on goal, with a 14.3% powerplay efficiency. They have been conceding 3.6 goals from 27.0 shots, averaging 4.4 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 77.3%.

The top points scorer is Zach Benson with 9 points, 5 goals and 4 assists, while Rasmus Dahlin is next in line after having 9 points, 4 goals and 5 assists. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have a 2.41 GAA with a .909 SV%.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction & Picks

Our Columbus Blue Jackets vs Buffalo Sabres betting preview covers everything you need, including a key match prediction, correct score insight, top player prop bets and a value-packed bet builder recommendation.

Game Prediction

We don’t think that the goal line will be passed in this NHL clash. It leads us to make an Unders pick, with odds of -128 currently on offer that there are less than seven goals.

Injuries are always factored in by the handicappers at Sportsgambler.com. Our hockey picks are also shaped by recent form, with up-to-date stats playing a key role before any NHL selections are locked in.

Key Blue Jackets vs Sabres stats:

• The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 4 of the last 5 Blue Jackets games on the road.
• The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 7 of the last 10 Blue Jackets games on the road.
• The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 11 of the last 20 Sabres games.

Under 6.5 Probability

According to the top sportsbooks, our pick has a 56.2% chance of winning. However, our research has found that the actual probability is between 60-65%. It’s why we think it’s worth placing this hockey bet.

Those wanting to bet Under in order to land a bigger return have some great options. It all comes down to how much you want to move the line on the Totals in order to leverage a bigger return.

Check our complete list of betting promo codes, free bet deals and the latest welcome bonuses before wagering.

Our Game Prediction

Under 6.5 Goals @ -128 Bet Now

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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Apr 9, 00:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Jack Quinn Over 2.5 Shots -105

Jack Quinn (Sabres) has fired Over 2.5 shots on goal in 4 straight home games. We’re anticipating that he is able to perform well and cover the line, with odds of -105 currently available.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Blue Jackets 1 - 3 Sabres

Our prediction for the correct score is the Sabres to land a 3-1 victory and this is available at +2000. It’s a fun wager to place which lands a bigger potential return.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Blue Jackets

Sabres

1-0

Blue Jackets

+6000

Sabres

+6000

2-0

Blue Jackets

+5000

Sabres

+5000

2-1

Blue Jackets

+1600

Sabres

+1600

3-0

Blue Jackets

+3500

Sabres

+3500

3-1

Blue Jackets

+2000

Sabres

+2000

3-2

Blue Jackets

+900

Sabres

+900

4-0

Blue Jackets

+4500

Sabres

+4500

4-1

Blue Jackets

+1700

Sabres

+1600

4-2

Blue Jackets

+1600

Sabres

+1500

4-3

Blue Jackets

+1000

Sabres

+1000

5-0

Blue Jackets

+7500

Sabres

+7000

5-1

Blue Jackets

+2800

Sabres

+2500

5-2

Blue Jackets

+1700

Sabres

+1600

5-3

Blue Jackets

+2200

Sabres

+2200

5-4

Blue Jackets

+1900

Sabres

+1800

6-0

Blue Jackets

+11000

Sabres

+11000

6-1

Blue Jackets

+6000

Sabres

+5500

6-2

Blue Jackets

+3300

Sabres

+3000

6-3

Blue Jackets

+2900

Sabres

+2800

6-4

Blue Jackets

+4500

Sabres

+4500

6-5

Blue Jackets

+4500

Sabres

+4500

7-0

Blue Jackets

+4500

Sabres

+14000

7-1

Blue Jackets

+10000

Sabres

+9000

7-2

Blue Jackets

+8000

Sabres

+7500

7-3

Blue Jackets

+5500

Sabres

+5500

7-4

Blue Jackets

+6000

Sabres

+6000

7-5

Blue Jackets

+10000

Sabres

+9000

7-6

Blue Jackets

+10000

Sabres

+10000

8-1

Blue Jackets

+10000

Sabres

+14000

8-2

Blue Jackets

+14000

Sabres

+12500

8-3

Blue Jackets

+14000

Sabres

+12500

8-4

Blue Jackets

+11000

Sabres

+11000

8-5

Blue Jackets

+13000

Sabres

+12500

View More

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Buffalo Sabres Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

Both teams are priced up at -110, meaning that the sportsbooks are expecting things to be close. The implied probability is that Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets are both equally as likely to win this game according to the latest Moneyline betting odds.

There is a puck line of 1.5 and total goals has a line of 6.5. Having a bet on Totals is one of the most popular hockey wagers. If you're keen on Over 6.5, this selection is available at +102.

Consider every angle when placing your National Hockey League wagers. The best betting apps have a huge selection of team props and game lines and it’s all about finding a bet which matches your prediction of the matchup.

Moneyline

Blue Jackets

-110

Sabres

-110

3-Way Moneyline

Blue Jackets

+150

Tie

+330

Sabres

+138

Puck Line

Blue Jackets +1.5

-278

Sabres -1.5

+220

Total Goals

Under 6.5

-128

Over 6.5

+102

The best gambling sites offer player prop betting to their customers. Player and goalie props can be a great alternative if you want to focus on an individual’s performance within a game and it often involves wagering over or under a line.

Among the various options for wagering on the NHL, you will find that micro betting is provided. It focuses on short-term in-game outcomes such as whether a goal will be scored within the next 10 minutes.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Columbus Blue Jackets Stats

Buffalo Sabres Stats

Moneyline

• 3 wins and 7 defeats in the last 10 games
• 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 home games

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 3 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 2 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 5.10 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 5.00 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 6.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 3 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 2.20 goals and allowed 2.90 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 2.40 pts and allowed 2.60 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.90 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 6.90 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 6.5: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.30 goals and allowed 3.60 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.70 goals and allowed 3.20 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.2
• Shots: 23.4
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 3
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 6.9
• Blocks: 14.6
• Faceoff Wins : 25.2
• Hits: 20.8
• Giveaways: 14.2
• Takeaways: 5.1

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.4
• Shots: 27.6
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 3.2
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 7.1
• Blocks: 16.7
• Faceoff Wins : 25.2
• Hits: 21.3
• Giveaways: 15.9
• Takeaways: 5.9

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.6
• Shots: 30.4
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 4.4
• Empty Net Goals: 0.4
• Penalty Minutes: 11.5
• Blocks: 13
• Faceoff Wins : 27.6
• Hits: 20.8
• Giveaways: 14.5
• Takeaways: 4.3

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 1
• Shots: 30.9
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 5.6
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 15.2
• Blocks: 14.2
• Faceoff Wins : 26.8
• Hits: 23.5
• Giveaways: 15.2
• Takeaways: 4.8

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

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