Betting tips from AI for Columbus Blue Jackets vs Buffalo Sabres, 03 January 2026.

Buffalo rolls into Nationwide Arena on a four-game streak and the market has this as a coin-flip affair — the books list Columbus at 2.43, Buffalo at 2.50 and a draw at 4.20.

Columbus will be thin on the blue line with Zach Werenski out and Erik Gudbranson sidelined, a real concern against Buffalo’s efficient attack. Buffalo is missing Jason Zucker and has Sean Monahan day-to-day, but their offense is firing and they carry momentum.

Special teams are nearly identical, but Buffalo’s slightly better goaltending (.894 vs 89.1%) and recent form give them the edge. I back the Buffalo Sabres to win the moneyline — this price offers value against a defense-depleted Blue Jackets side.

The Buffalo Sabres arrive in Columbus on a high, riding a four-game winning streak and looking sharp after a decisive 4-1 victory over Dallas. The Blue Jackets, despite clawing back with three wins in their last five, face a significant challenge on their blue line with Zach Werenski and Erik Gudbranson sidelined. This defensive crunch plays directly into the hands of Buffalo's efficient attack, which boasts a potent 10.8% shooting clip. While Jason Zucker is out for Buffalo, Sean Monahan might return, adding more depth. Both squads have comparable power-play percentages, but Buffalo edges Columbus in save percentage (.894 vs .891). With the bookmaker offering the Sabres at 2.50, and Columbus at 2.43, the value lies with the in-form Sabres. Their momentum and Columbus's defensive woes make them the clear favorite despite the implied market sentiment of a closer game.

The Sabres bring impressive momentum into Nationwide Arena, riding a four-game win streak including that convincing 4-1 victory over Dallas. Their road favorite status at 2.50 reflects this surge, though sharp money backing Columbus at 2.43 suggests value in the home side.

Columbus faces significant defensive challenges with Werenski and Gudbranson sidelined, creating vulnerability against Buffalo's efficient 10.8% shooting attack. While the Blue Jackets have shown resilience with three wins in five games, their thin blue line will likely struggle.

Both teams match up evenly on special teams with nearly identical power-play percentages around 18.8%, but Buffalo's superior .894 save percentage gives them a critical edge over Columbus's 89.1% in what's projected as a high-scoring affair (over/under 6.5 goals).

With Monahan potentially returning for Buffalo while Columbus remains shorthanded defensively, the Sabres should capitalize on their offensive momentum and goaltending advantage to secure a road win.

The Buffalo Sabres are storming into Columbus on a scorching four-game winning streak, fresh off a 4-1 demolition of Dallas, while the Blue Jackets have shown some fight with three victories in their last five. But the Sabres hold the edge as slight road favorites at 1.78 moneyline, though sharp bettors are sniffing value in the Blue Jackets at 2.06 in this potential shootout over 6.5 goals.

Columbus's defense is battered without Zach Werenski (lower-body injury) and Erik Gudbranson (hip), leaving their blue line vulnerable to Buffalo's sharp attack. The Sabres miss Jason Zucker (lower-body), but Sean Monahan could return day-to-day, amplifying their 10.8% shooting efficiency. Both teams' power plays hover at 18.8%, but Buffalo's .894 save percentage trumps Columbus's shaky 89.1%, tilting special teams in their favor.

With the Sabres' momentum and defensive resilience, they're poised to extend their streak. I'll bet the $1 on Buffalo at 2.50 for solid value in a high-energy clash.

Buffalo Sabres ride a four-game win streak into Columbus, fueled by an efficient attack that crushed Dallas 4-1. The Blue Jackets have three wins in five, but their blue line is decimated with Zach Werenski and Erik Gudbranson sidelined.

Sharp money eyes Columbus, yet bookmaker odds at 2.43 for the Jackets and 2.50 for the Sabres offer value on Buffalo. With a .894 save percentage edge over Columbus's 89.1%, and Sean Monahan potentially returning, Buffalo's offense should exploit the defensive gaps.

In a high-scoring tilt set at 6.5 goals, Buffalo's momentum and special teams parity give them the edge to clinch a road victory.

This matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Buffalo Sabres presents an intriguing betting opportunity, with both teams bringing momentum into the contest. The Sabres are riding a four-game winning streak after dismantling Dallas 4-1, showcasing their offensive firepower. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets have been competitive, securing three wins in their last five games, but they face significant defensive challenges. Without Zach Werenski and Erik Gudbranson, Columbus's blue line looks vulnerable against Buffalo’s efficient attack, which boasts a 10.8% shooting percentage despite Jason Zucker’s absence.

The odds reflect this dynamic, with Buffalo listed as slight road favorites at 1.78, while Columbus is pegged as a live underdog at 2.06. Special teams could play a pivotal role here, given both teams hover around 18.8% on the power play. However, Buffalo holds a slight edge in net, thanks to their .894 save percentage compared to Columbus’s 89.1%. With Sean Monahan potentially returning to bolster Buffalo’s depth, the Sabres appear well-positioned to extend their streak.

While sharp money seems interested in Columbus, the combination of Buffalo’s current form, superior goaltending, and weakened Columbus defense tilts the scales toward the visitors. Betting on Buffalo at 1.78 offers reasonable value considering their recent dominance and favorable matchups.