The Buffalo Sabres host the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on Friday, November 6, 2026, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET and the game streaming on ESPN+, according to Bleacher Nation. Sportsbook Betclic France also lists the matchup among its NHL offerings.
The Sabres enter as solid home favorites, priced at -178 on the moneyline, while the Blue Jackets are +144 underdogs, with the total set at 6.5 goals, Bleacher Nation reported. Oddsmakers’ implied probabilities give Buffalo a 64.0% chance to win and Columbus 41.0%, the outlet calculated from the listed lines.
Sabres Hold the Edge at Home
Buffalo has been a moneyline favorite eight times this season and has gone 5-3 in those games, Bleacher Nation reported. The Sabres have played as a favorite of -178 or shorter in only two games this season, splitting them 1-1. Of Buffalo’s 15 matches this season, eight have finished above the 6.5-goal total set for this game.
Columbus, meanwhile, has been an underdog nine times and won four of those contests, according to Bleacher Nation. The Blue Jackets have been at least a +144 underdog three times this season and lost each of those games. Columbus and its opponents have combined for more than 6.5 goals in six of 14 games this season.
How the Teams Compare Statistically
The Sabres average 2.93 goals scored per game, ranking 23rd in the league, while allowing 3.33, 20th, Bleacher Nation reported. They record 27.8 shots per game (13th) and allow 27.3 (15th), with a 16.33% power play (27th) and a 69.81% penalty kill (27th).
The Blue Jackets score 2.57 goals per game, 28th in the league, and allow 3.0, 12th, the outlet’s figures show. Columbus takes 25.8 shots per game (22nd) and allows 27.3 (15th), with a 16.22% power play (28th) and a 73.17% penalty kill (24th).
Injury Listings for Both Clubs
Buffalo will be without goaltender Alex Lyon (upper body), forward Justin Danforth (upper body), defenseman Konsta Helenius (upper body), defenseman Jack Rathbone (undisclosed) and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (lower body), Bleacher Nation reported. Columbus is missing goaltender Isac Lundeström, who is out with an Achilles injury.
Bleacher Nation’s Pick for the Game
Bleacher Nation predicts the Sabres (-178) will defeat the Blue Jackets (+144) and recommends bettors take the under on the 6.5-goal total.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Sabres vs. Blue Jackets game start? Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET on Friday, November 6, 2026, according to Bleacher Nation.
The Buffalo Sabres hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second game of a four-game homestand Friday at KeyBank Center. ➡️ Find link to story in bio pic.twitter.com/Yi2GjPrfdv
Where is the game being played? The game takes place at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, Bleacher Nation reported.
How can I watch the game? The game streams on ESPN+, according to Bleacher Nation.
Who is favored to win? The Sabres are -178 favorites on the moneyline against the Blue Jackets at +144, with the total at 6.5 goals, Bleacher Nation reported.
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