Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction 12-30-23 NHL Picks

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Buffalo Sabres meet in NHL action from the KeyBank Arena on Saturday. Two teams looking to build up some momentum, who comes out on top? Let’s dive in and find out with our Blue Jackets vs. Sabres Prediction.

Columbus Blue Jackets Team Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets will be looking to build on their 6-5 OT win over Toronto in their last matchup. Zach Werenski leads the Blue Jackets in scoring with 25 points including a team-high 24 assists while Johnny Gaudreau has 25 points with 18 assists. Kirill Marchenko has 21 points with a team-high 13 goals and Adam Fantilli has 22 points with 10 goals and 12 assists. Ivan Provorov has 20 points with 18 assists and Boone Jenner has 18 points with 13 goals of his own. Elvis Merzlikins has gone 7-8-6 in goal for Columbus with a 3.25 GAA and a .907 save percentage while Spencer Martin is 3-7-1 with a 3.62 GAA and an .889 save percentage this season.

Columbus Blue Jackets Team Facts

• The Blue Jackets have lost each of their last seven night games following a win.
• The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games following an overtime win.
• The Blue Jackets have lost the third period in eight of their last nine games as underdogs after coming off overtime.
• The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in seven of the Blue Jackets’ last nine games as underdogs against opponents on a losing streak.

Buffalo Sabres Team Preview

The Buffalo Sabres come into this one looking to rebound from a 4-1 loss at the hands of the Boston Bruins in their last matchup. Casey Mittelstadt leads the Sabres in scoring with 30 points including a team-high 21 assists while Rasmus Dahlin has 29 points with 10 goals and 19 assists. Jeff Skinner has 25 points with a team-high 14 goals while JJ Peterka has 25 points with 12 goals and 13 assists. Alex Tuch also has 24 points with 9 goals and 15 assists this season. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has a 6-8-2 record with a 3.31 GAA and an .889 save percentage while Devon Levi is 7-5-2 with a 3.31 GAA and an .889 save percentage and Eric Comrie is 1-5 with a 4.01 GAA and an .863 save percentage this season in goal for the Sabres.

Buffalo Sabres Team Facts

• The Sabres have lost each of their last four games as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Sabres have covered the puck line in 10 of their last 11 games following a home loss.
• The Sabres have won the third period in eight of their last nine games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in 18 of the Sabres’ last 19 games following a home loss.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Buffalo Sabres rank 26th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.44).
• The Buffalo Sabres rank T26th in the league in power play percentage this season (13.33%).
• The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 31st in the league for goals against per game this season (3.68).
• The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 25th in the league in power play percentage this season (15.53%).

Blue Jackets vs. Sabres Prediction

I’m rocking with the Blue Jackets +1.5 here. The Blue Jackets have been a solid team to back on the puck line and even on the back-to-back, I think it holds some value here. I just don’t know if the Sabres should be a -200 favorite against anyone really and this spot is no different even with Columbus on the road. Give me Columbus +1.5 here.