Sabres Dominate Blue Jackets 5-1 in KeyBank Center Showdown
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · KeyBank Center
Buffalo Sabres 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 1, final. Our NHL picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Columbus Blue Jackets vs Buffalo Sabres?
Buffalo Sabres beat Columbus Blue Jackets 5-1 at KeyBank Center on September 22, 2026.
In a decisive matchup at the KeyBank Center, the Buffalo Sabres triumphed over the Columbus Blue Jackets with a commanding score of 5-1. This victory marked an important moment for the Sabres, who have shown a strong home record of 4-1 in their last five games, despite a recent two-game losing streak. The Sabres' offense was particularly potent, averaging 3.3 goals per game over their last ten outings, and they showcased this firepower against the Blue Jackets.
Buffalo's recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, as they entered this game with a record of 1-1-0. Their last ten games yielded a record of 6-4, with an impressive scoring average of 3.3 goals while allowing 2.9. However, the Sabres faced a setback in their previous game, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins 1-4. In contrast, the Blue Jackets also came into this game with a record of 1-1-0, but their recent performance has been less favorable. They have struggled with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games, averaging only 2.0 goals scored per game while allowing 3.1.
The game saw Buffalo take control early, with Josh Norris scoring the first goal of the night in the second period, assisted by Owen Power and Konsta Helenius. The Sabres then extended their lead with two more goals from Noah Ostlund, who found the net twice in quick succession, showcasing his offensive skills. Conor Timmins added another goal in the third period, followed by Tage Thompson, further solidifying Buffalo's dominance. The Blue Jackets managed to score a consolation goal through Corson Ceulemans, but it was too little, too late.
In terms of home versus away performance, the Sabres have been strong at home, while the Blue Jackets have struggled on the road, with a 1-5 record in their last six away games. Historically, the Sabres have had the upper hand in recent meetings, holding a 2-1 advantage in their last three matchups against Columbus, including a 5-0 victory earlier in the season.
Injuries also played a role in the game, with Buffalo missing Jason Zucker due to an abdomen injury. The Blue Jackets were without several key players, including Dante Fabbro and Adam Fantilli, both out for undisclosed reasons, while Mikael Pyyhtia was listed as day-to-day with a lower body issue. This absence of key players likely impacted Columbus's performance.
The market had priced the game with Buffalo favored, reflecting their home advantage and recent form. The conditions at the KeyBank Center were conducive to a high-energy matchup, with the home crowd providing a significant boost to the Sabres.
Viewers should have kept an eye on the Sabres' offensive strategies, particularly their ability to capitalize on power plays and their overall puck possession. The scoring plays highlighted Buffalo's offensive depth and playmaking abilities, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline.
Ultimately, the Sabres' 5-1 victory over the Blue Jackets not only showcased their offensive prowess but also reinforced their position as a competitive team in the league.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming NHL matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center promises to be an intriguing contest, especially as the Sabres look to bounce back from a recent loss while the Blue Jackets aim to build on their early season success. The game is set to start on September 22, 2026, at 23:00 UTC.
The Buffalo Sabres enter this game with a record of 0-1-0 after losing their season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins with a score of 4-1. This loss marked the end of a challenging stretch for the Sabres, who have experienced a mixed bag of results in their last five games, winning two and losing three. In their last five outings, they defeated the Montreal Canadiens twice, with scores of 3-2 and 8-3, but also faced setbacks, including a 3-2 overtime loss to the Canadiens and a 4-1 defeat against the Penguins. Over their last ten games, the Sabres have a home record of 4-1 and an overall record of 6-4, averaging 3.3 goals scored and 2.9 goals allowed per game.
On the other hand, the Columbus Blue Jackets come into this matchup with a record of 1-0-0, having won their season opener against the Detroit Red Wings 1-0. The Blue Jackets have had a tougher time in their last ten games, holding a record of 3-7, but they are currently on a one-game winning streak. Their recent form shows a scoring average of just 2.0 goals per game while allowing 3.1 goals. In their last five games, they have managed to secure two wins, including a 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, but they also suffered losses to the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals.
The Sabres will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage, where they have been more successful in recent times. Their last five home games have seen them score an average of 3.8 goals while allowing only 2.4 goals. In contrast, the Blue Jackets have struggled on the road, with a home record of 1-5 and an away record of 2-2 in their last ten games.
Historically, the Sabres have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Blue Jackets, holding a 1-2 record in their last three encounters. The most recent matchup took place on April 9, 2026, where the Sabres dominated the Blue Jackets with a convincing 5-0 victory. However, the Blue Jackets won their earlier meeting this year on January 3, 2026, with a score of 5-1.
In terms of injuries, the Sabres will be without Jason Zucker, who is out due to an abdomen issue. The Blue Jackets will also face challenges as they are missing several key players, including Dante Fabbro (upper body), Riley Bezeau (undisclosed), and Adam Fantilli (contract dispute).
From a betting perspective, the market has set the odds for this matchup, with the Sabres and Blue Jackets priced by the provider at various lines. The conditions for the game are expected to be typical for a hockey matchup, but specific weather conditions were not detailed in the block.
As for what to watch for during the game, fans should keep an eye on Jake Richard of the Sabres, who leads the team with one goal and one point. Zach Metsa also stands out with one assist. The performance of both teams in terms of scoring efficiency and defensive resilience will be crucial, especially given the recent form of both sides. With the Sabres eager to secure their first win of the season and the Blue Jackets looking to maintain their winning momentum, this game at KeyBank Center is set to be a compelling contest.
Injury report
- Jason ZuckerOutAbdomenBuffalo Sabres
- Mikael PyyhtiaDay-To-DayLower BodyColumbus Blue Jackets
- Dante FabbroOutUpper BodyColumbus Blue Jackets
- Riley BezeauOutUndisclosedColumbus Blue Jackets
- Adam FantilliOutContract DisputeColumbus Blue Jackets
Leaders
- GoalsNoah Ostlund2Buffalo Sabres
- AssistsOwen Power3Buffalo Sabres
- PointsOwen Power3Buffalo Sabres
- GoalsCorson Ceulemans1Columbus Blue Jackets
- AssistsDmitri Voronkov1Columbus Blue Jackets
- PointsCorson Ceulemans1Columbus Blue Jackets
Recent form
Buffalo Sabres
Last 10: 6-4Streak L23.3 scored · 2.9 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L1-4at Pittsburgh PenguinsSep 21
- L3-4vs Dallas StarsApr 15
- W5-1at Chicago BlackhawksApr 14
- W5-0vs Columbus Blue JacketsApr 9
- W5-3at New York RangersApr 8
- W4-2vs Tampa Bay LightningApr 6
- L2-6at Washington CapitalsApr 4
- L1-4at Ottawa SenatorsApr 2
- W4-3vs New York IslandersMar 31
- W3-2vs Seattle KrakenMar 28
Columbus Blue Jackets
Last 10: 3-7Streak W12 scored · 3.1 allowed per game2-2 away
- W1-0vs Detroit Red WingsSep 21
- L1-2vs Washington CapitalsApr 14
- L2-3vs Boston BruinsApr 12
- W5-2at Montreal CanadiensApr 11
- L0-5at Buffalo SabresApr 9
- W4-3at Detroit Red WingsApr 7
- L1-2vs Winnipeg JetsApr 4
- L1-5at Carolina HurricanesApr 2
- L2-5vs Carolina HurricanesMar 31
- L3-4vs Boston BruinsMar 29
Standings
| Team | Ot losses | Lost | Points | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| Washington | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| NY Islanders | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Pittsburgh | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Carolina | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Columbus | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| NY Rangers | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Philadelphia | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Montreal | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| Boston | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| Florida | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Detroit | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Tampa Bay | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Buffalo | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Ottawa | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Toronto | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Columbus Blue Jackets | Buffalo Sabres |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked shots | 20 | 14 |
| Hits | 28 | 21 |
| Takeaways | 4 | 8 |
| Shots total | 25 | 35 |
| Power play goals | 0 | 0 |
| Power play opportunities | 5 | 3 |
| Power play pct | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Short handed goals | 0 | 0 |
| Shootout goals | 0 | 0 |
| Faceoffs won | 23 | 33 |
| Faceoff percent | 41.1 | 58.9 |
| Giveaways | 16 | 12 |
| Penalties | 8 | 10 |
| Penalty minutes | 19 | 23 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd0-1Josh Norris Goal (1) Slap Shot, assists: Owen Power (1), Konsta Helenius (1)
- 2nd0-2Noah Ostlund Goal (1) Backhand, assists: Zach Benson (1), Owen Power (2)
- 2nd0-3Noah Ostlund Goal (2) Slap Shot, assists: Zach Benson (2)
- 3rd0-4Conor Timmins Goal (1) Backhand, assists: Tage Thompson (1), Jack Quinn (1)
- 3rd0-5Tage Thompson Goal (1) Snap Shot, assists: Josh Doan (1), Owen Power (3)
- 3rd1-5Corson Ceulemans Goal (1) Snap Shot, assists: Dmitri Voronkov (1), Boston Buckberger (1)
Venue
- KeyBank CenterBuffalo, NY
- OfficialsScott Cherrey, Shandor Alphonso, Garrett Rank, Hayden Verbeek
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