Sabres Open Season
Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets Open the 2026-27 NHL Season
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Key Points
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Buffalo won the Atlantic Division the previous season, making its playoff return a division-title defense as well as a test of whether its breakthrough can last.
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Columbus won two of the three meetings in last season’s regular-season series, despite Buffalo winning the teams’ most recent preseason matchup.
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Rasmus Dahlin has 19 points (5 goals, 14 assists) against Columbus, the most goals, assists and points by a Sabres defenseman against the Blue Jackets; he and Adam Fox are the only defensemen with at least 15 games against Columbus to average a point per game.
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Josh Norris enters the matchup on a three-game assist streak against Columbus, with four assists over that span.
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Buffalo’s opening odds were -109 on the moneyline and Columbus’s were -108; the total was 6.5, with the under priced at -133.
The Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets square off to begin the 2026-27 NHL season, with the matchup nearly evenly matched at the betting window. Buffalo enters as a slight favorite at -109 on the moneyline after winning the Atlantic Division last season, while Columbus counters at -108 with momentum from a 3-1 preseason record. CappersPicks rates the game as a near toss-up, though slightly favoring Columbus on the road.
The Sabres are defending their division title after a playoff return, though they finished preseason just 1-3. Columbus won two of three meetings in last season's regular-season series despite Buffalo's preseason victory over the Blue Jackets. The total is set at 6.5, with the under favored at -133.
Dahlin and Norris Lead Sabres' Head-to-Head Edge
Buffalo holds individual statistical advantages that could tip the opener. Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin owns 19 points (5 goals, 14 assists) against Columbus — the most by any Sabres defenseman against the Blue Jackets. Dahlin and The Athletic's Adam Fox are the only defensemen with 15-plus games against Columbus to average a point per game.
Josh Doan enters on a scoring streak, while forward Josh Norris arrives on a three-game assist streak against Columbus with four assists over that span. Tage Thompson adds 11 career goals against the Blue Jackets, giving Buffalo multiple scoring weapons in a season opener.
Columbus Seeks Strong Start After Preseason Success
The Blue Jackets finished their exhibition schedule 3-1 and open at home, where they aim to build on positive preseason momentum. The Hockey News notes Columbus will rely on their defensive pairings and lineup construction to contain Buffalo's attack on opening night.
Columbus won two of three regular-season meetings against Buffalo last year, despite the Sabres' preseason edge this summer. A strong start is critical for the Blue Jackets as they reset for the new season and test whether last year's series success translates to October performance.
Buffalo's Divisional Defense on the Line
The Sabres' 2026-27 campaign doubles as a test of whether their playoff return and Atlantic Division title can endure. Yahoo Sports highlights that this marks only the second season opener in franchise history against Columbus, adding weight to the matchup as a potential statement game.
Buffalo finished preseason 1-3, a concern entering a season where defending a division crown requires consistency. Columbus's 3-1 exhibition record and home-ice advantage create an opening-night opportunity for the Blue Jackets to establish confidence early in the year.
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