Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets February 4th 2025

Planning on watching today’s Blue Jackets and Sabres game? Catch the action at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY, as the Sabres hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. This Eastern conference matchup has an over/under of 6.5 goals, and the Sabres are favored by -1.5 goals vs. the Blue Jackets.

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Columbus vs. Buffalo Key Information

• Teams: Blue Jackets at Sabres
• Where: KeyBank Center Buffalo
• Date: Tuesday, February 4th
• Betting Odds BUF -170 | CBJ +144 O/U 6.5

The Blue Jackets Can Win If…

The Blue Jackets dropped to 26-20-7 after a 7-2 loss to the Capitals. Columbus was an underdog on the puck line, and the total of 6.5 goals was surpassed, with the teams combining for 9 goals.

Columbus allowed five goals in the first period, with the Capitals scoring just 56 seconds into the game. Damon Severson and Kevin Labanc each scored for the Blue Jackets, but the defense struggled, giving up 22 shots.

Columbus fired 36 shots on goal but managed just two in their 7-2 loss to the Capitals. Damon Severson netted his fourth goal of the season, while Kevin Labanc added his second. The Blue Jackets were held scoreless in the first period before Severson got them on the board 49 seconds into the second period.

Columbus had 13 giveaways and failed to convert on any power play opportunities. Sean Monahan picked up his fifth assist of the season on Labanc’s goal, and Zach Aston-Reese added his second assist.

Columbus’ defense struggled early, giving up 5 goals in the first period. They allowed another in the second and one more late in the third, leading to a 7-2 loss. Daniil Tarasov made 15 saves with a 68.2% save percentage.

• Columbus has put together a record of 2-1 over their past three games. This also includes going 2-1 puck line and an over-under mark of 1-2.
• Across Columbus’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 6-4. Their record vs the puck line sits at 7-3 in these matchups, while posting a 2-8 over-under mark.

The Sabres Can Win If…

Buffalo dropped to 21-26-5 with a 2-1 road loss to the Red Wings. The Sabres held a 1-0 lead after the first period, but two second-period goals by Detroit sealed the game. Buffalo was the underdog on the puck line, and the total of 3 goals fell short of the pre-game line of 6.5.

Alex Tuch scored Buffalo’s only goal, finding the net at 11:39 in the first period. The Sabres’ defense struggled in the second, allowing both goals on the power play.

Buffalo’s offense managed just one goal in their 2-1 loss to Detroit, with Alex Tuch finding the net on a shorthanded opportunity 8:21 into the first period. The Sabres fired 32 shots on goal but were unable to score again, and they recorded 13 giveaways.

Despite their 32 shots, Buffalo couldn’t capitalize on any power play chances. Tuch, the team’s lone scorer, took five shots on goal.

Buffalo’s defense gave up two goals in their last game, both coming in the second period on the power play. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage. The Sabres’ defense also contributed 5 takeaways and 17 hits.

• Over their last three games, the Sabres have gone 3-0 straight up. In terms of betting, the team went 3-0 puck line in these matchups. Their over/under record in these matchups is 3-0.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Sabres have gone 5-5 straight up. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 6-4, in addition to an over-under mark of 7-2-1.

The Lean

For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Sabres to pick up on a win over the Blue Jackets at home. With the moneyline sitting at -170, I’ll be locking in a bet on the Sabres straight-up.

For my recommended choice in the puck line, I’m leaning towards the Blue Jackets to cover. Even if the Sabres secure a straight-up win, this game is expected to be tightly contested, and the Blue Jackets should cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6.5 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

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Sabres vs. Blue Jackets: Injury Woes Loom Over Key Eastern Conference Clash

Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets enter Tuesday night’s matchup with momentum on their side but significant injury concerns threatening to derail their respective pushes. The Sabres are riding a season-best three-game win streak, while the Blue Jackets continue to battle for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot. However, both teams are dealing with critical player absences that could shape the outcome of this contest.

Blue Jackets Face Tough Road Without Leading Scorer

Columbus’ playoff aspirations suffered a major setback after leading scorer Kirill Marchenko went down with a broken jaw during Sunday’s 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars. The 23-year-old winger, who leads the team with 21 goals and 55 points, has been placed on injured reserve indefinitely, leaving a significant hole in the Blue Jackets’ offense.

To make matters worse, Columbus could also be without defenseman Dante Fabbro, who suffered an upper-body injury in the same game. Star blueliner Zach Werenski was also banged up but managed to return to action, though his status remains something to monitor.

Despite these setbacks, the Blue Jackets have consistently shown resilience. Head coach Pascal Vincent’s squad has gone 14-5-2 in their last 21 games, demonstrating an ability to adapt and compete under challenging circumstances.

“You got to do what you got to do to win,” said rookie Adam Fantilli, who has recorded five goals and three assists over a five-game road point streak. “It sucks to deal with what we’re dealing with, but we still have to try to find a way to win.”

The Blue Jackets will also be leaning on Werenski, who has 57 points, ranking among the league’s top-scoring defensemen. Columbus has historically performed well in Buffalo, posting a 5-0-3 record in its last eight visits.

Sabres Surge, but Tage Thompson’s Status Uncertain

The Sabres may be last in the Eastern Conference, but they are finding their offensive rhythm at just the right time. Buffalo has totaled 15 goals during its current three-game home win streak, with star forward Tage Thompson playing a pivotal role. Thompson has racked up four goals and four assists over this span, proving to be the driving force behind Buffalo’s attack.

However, the Sabres were dealt a scare in Sunday’s 4-3 victory over New Jersey when Thompson took a controversial hit to the head from Stefan Noesen in the third period. The 26-year-old did not return to the game, raising concerns about his availability for Tuesday’s matchup.

Head coach Lindy Ruff provided an optimistic update, stating that Thompson passed all post-game physical tests and could be ready to play. His presence would be crucial, as he leads the Sabres with 26 goals and 48 points this season.

“He’s a special talent,” said teammate Jason Zucker, who has three goals and four assists in his last seven games. “He finds ways to score goals in a lot of different ways.”

Though some fans criticized Buffalo for not retaliating after the hit on Thompson, Zucker dismissed the notion, saying, “Our response is we won.”

Key Factors to Watch in the Matchup

1. Can Columbus Maintain Offensive Production Without Marchenko?

With Marchenko sidelined, the Blue Jackets will need more offensive contributions from Fantilli, Werenski, and Johnny Gaudreau’s replacement core. Columbus has relied on depth scoring all season, but losing a top scorer always presents a challenge.

2. Will Tage Thompson Be Ready?

Buffalo’s offense has been surging, but if Thompson is ruled out or limited, the team will need players like Zucker, Jeff Skinner, and Dylan Cozens to step up.

3. Goaltending Battle

Neither team’s goaltending was heavily discussed in pregame narratives, but whoever starts in net will play a massive role. Columbus’ tandem of Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov has been solid, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has shown flashes of brilliance for Buffalo.

Final Thoughts

Despite injuries plaguing both squads, this matchup offers plenty of intrigue. Columbus aims to continue its playoff push, while Buffalo hopes to keep its offensive momentum alive. If Thompson is cleared to play, the Sabres could have the edge at home. However, Columbus has been one of the best road teams in recent months and won’t go down without a fight.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Expect a physical, high-energy battle between two teams looking to overcome adversity and make a statement.