Going for the Record
Buffalo Sabres (21-14-4) vs Columbus Blue Jackets(17-16-6)
Puck Drop: 3:00 pm Eastern Time | Nationwide Arena | Columbus, Ohio
TV: MSG, ESPN+
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Columbus Blue Jackets
Record: (17-16-6) | 40 PTS
Last Game: Lost to New Jersey 3-2
Division Ranking: 8th Place in the Metro
PP: 19th, 18.6% (Sabres: 18th, 18.8%)
PK: 30th, 75.0% (Sabres: 2nd, 85.0%)
What to Watch
Rub Gilbert Perreault’s Head for Luck?
The Buffalo Sabres’ franchise record for consecutive wins in a single season is 10 games, a feat they have achieved four times in their history. Today, the current team has a chance to set a new record with 11 victories in a row. This from a organization that has been lost for 14 seasons now and appeared to be headed that way again in 2025-26. This streak came out of nowhere and has put the Sabres back into playoff contention, though nothing is guaranteed. The status of the Altantic division and the Eastern Conference is in a contant flux, with teams either moving up or dropping down almost nighty. That is what happens when all 16 franchises in the East have a winning record. Crazy stuff in this cluster F of an NHL season.
The most famous 11 in Sabres’ history is all time leading scorer Gilbert Perreault. If this group breaks the franchise consecutive wins record tonight, their 11 will be second only to him.
Everyone is Contributing
There is no ONE LEADER on the Sabres right now. Everyone is contributing in their own way. The scorers are scoring, the playmakers are playmaking and the grinders are grinding. Not to forget the defenders who are defending and the goaltenders who are goaltending too. But each player has really elevated their game right now. It’s like they all leveled up at once and unlocked a new achievement. It goes beyond even that though. Sabre after Sabre is bulking up their resume, adding new skills. Players not known for a strong backcheck are suddenly doing just that, giving that extra effort. Other players are blocking shots in the final minute of a 3 goal game, making the sacrifices needed to win. Some are rising up and others are growing up. Lindy Ruff has them in a good mindset right now and it really is a treat to see. But credit from me goes mostly to the players, they have really taken ownership of this team.
Avoid a Letdown
The Sabres just beat one of the best teams in the league 4-1 in their own Texas barn for ten straight wins. They can’t let up one bit against Columbus. The Blue Jackets already beat Buffalo earlier this year and still have an NHL winning record even in last place in the conference. The Sabres must bring the continued high effort and maintain the course. Eventually they will lose a game, just hopefully not tonight. But when they do, the team needs to show better resolve than in the past. Bounce back quickly and push on toward the playoffs.
Even though Jason Zucker accompanied the team on this three game trip, it doesn’t look like he will get into any of the games. He still hasn’t practiced fully, not taking line rushes yet. Meanwhile, Michael Kesselring is a question mark for tonight’s game. He suffered a minor injury late in the game against the Stars. Kess didn’t practice with the team yesterday and he will most likely be a game time decision.
The Sabres are getting contributions throughout the lineup, but one standout lately has been Bo Byram. He has 3 goals and 7 points in his last 5 games, scoring some real difference makers. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will start his second in a row as we are still awaiting word on Alex Lyon. UPL has been exceptional in his last three games.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards:
Krebs – Thompson – Doan
Ostlund – Norris – Tuch
Benson – McLeod – Quinn
Greenway – Dunne – Malenstyn
Defense:
Samuelsson – Dahlin
Byram – Power
Bryson – Metsa
Goalies:
Luukkonen, Ellis
Columbus Blue Jackets
Forwards:
Marchment – Fantilli – Marchenko
Voronkov – Sillinger – Heinen
Jenner – Coyle – Olivier
Aston-Reese – Gaunce – Johnson
Defense:
Werenski – Mateychuk
Provorov – Severson
Christiansen – Fabbro
Goalies:
Greaves, Merzlikins