Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets Predictions

Buffalo brings key availability questions into Columbus

Columbus is a slight -112 home favorite for Thursday’s 7 p.m. ET game, with Buffalo at -108. That near pick’em price requires a stronger case than the available team information provides.

NHL.com reports that Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start for Buffalo after spending the previous two days in the starter’s net at practice. He tweaked a lower-body injury in the Sabres’ Sept. 26 preseason finale, so his expected return helps Buffalo without removing all uncertainty in goal.

Buffalo will be missing defenseman Olen Zellweger, who has been in concussion protocol since Sept. 22. Defenseman Mattias Samuelsson practiced Wednesday following a lower-body injury and could play, but his status wasn’t confirmed. Those questions give Columbus a narrow advantage at home.

Prediction and betting outlook

Columbus is the more likely winner, but the -112 moneyline isn’t attractive without confirmed Columbus goaltending, recent team form or current statistical evidence. The listed 50-50 split is a default figure rather than sourced public betting information, so it doesn’t support either side. Pass.