Thursday, October 17, 2024 – 7:00 PM EDT
Nationwide Arena – Columbus, Ohio
TV: Bally Sports Ohio; Radio: 97.1FM
Opponent location: Die at the knife

Buffalo Sabers (1-3-0, 2 points, 8th Atlantic, 16th East)

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Columbus Blue Jackets (1-2-0, 2 points, 8th Metro, 14th East)

The traditional home opener festivities were put on hold Tuesday evening in favor of a beautiful ceremony and tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau and their family. Unfortunately, the Jackets failed to win even though they played very well. Tonight the stage is set for a second attempt at winning their home opener.

Player(s) to watch

Chinakhov-Monahan-Marchenko

Columbus’ first line has been impressive so far, going a combined 4-9-13 in just three games. At 5v5 they were dominant in terms of ball possession and chance creation. In 3 matches they have combined for 16 individual scoring chances and 20 shots on net. Can they continue their high level against the Sabres?

Jackets Comments

Gudbranson is now on IR after an apparent wrist or arm injury. We’ll hope for the best, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s out long-term… Hopefully Jiricek will fill in for Gudbranson… Jet Greaves has been called up from Cleveland as Merzlikins is out with a brief upper-body injury… Gambrell got waivers yesterday to make room for Greaves. That likely indicates that Danforth is close to returning from injury.

The other couch

The Sabers have looked great in the preseason, but have started the regular season 1-3-0. They struggle to score and are 0 of 14 on the power play. But watch for Levi to be the starter: he has a .919 save percentage in two starts.

Season series

10/17/2024 BUF @ CBJ
02/04/2025 CBJ @ BUF
04/10/2025 BUF @ CBJ

Statistics

Projected lines

Columbus blue jackets

Buffalo sabers