Sabres vs. Blue Jackets prediction: Why Buffalo is favored to win Thursday's NHL matchup [10/1/2026]

Using powerful machine learning and data, we have re-simulated the outcome of Thursday's NHL matchup between the Sabres and Blue Jackets, forming part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our famous predictive model gives the Sabres a 51.4% chance of defeating the Blue Jackets. According to our model, the Blue Jackets (+1.5) have a 70.0% chance of covering the puck line, while the 6.5-goal over/under has a 55.8% chance of staying under.

Latest betting odds

We have researched the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

• Puck Line: Sabres -1.5 (+220) / Blue Jackets +1.5 (-250)
• Moneyline: Sabres -111, Blue Jackets -103
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (+115/-131)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Model picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

• Puck line: Sabres -1.5 @ +220 via DraftKings
• Moneyline: Sabres @ -111 via Fanatics
• Total: Under 6.5 @ -131 via Caesars

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Under 6.5 total goals.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.

Sabres vs. Blue Jackets player props

Who will score a goal in Sabres vs. Blue Jackets?

According to our model, Tage Thompson is most likely to score an anytime goal in Sabres vs. Blue Jackets.

Our projections give Thompson a 42.3% chance of scoring a goal at Nationwide Arena, while the star is an 8.2% chance of registering the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Buffalo Sabres

• Tage Thompson: 42.3% probability
• Josh Doan: 28.8% probability
• Josh Norris: 22.0% probability
• Rasmus Dahlin: 19.3% probability
• Jack Quinn: 19.0% probability

Columbus Blue Jackets

• Zach Werenski: 26.9% probability
• Adam Fantilli: 26.0% probability
• Valeri Nichushkin: 24.9% probability
• Matthew Knies: 23.9% probability
• Charlie Coyle: 23.9% probability

First goal scorer predictions

Buffalo Sabres

• Tage Thompson: 8.2% probability
• Josh Doan: 5.0% probability
• Josh Norris: 4.6% probability
• Noah Ostlund: 3.3% probability
• Jack Quinn: 3.1% probability

Columbus Blue Jackets

• Zach Werenski: 5.3% probability
• Adam Fantilli: 5.2% probability
• Valeri Nichushkin: 4.8% probability
• Matthew Knies: 4.8% probability
• Mathieu Olivier: 4.3% probability

Game info & puck drop details

Thursday's game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres at Nationwide Arena is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM ET.

• Who: Buffalo Sabres vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
• Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
• Venue: Nationwide Arena

Conclusion

We predict the Sabres, with a 51.4% win probability, will likely beat the Blue Jackets in Thursday's NHL matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

This article's predictions and probabilities are generated by Dimers' proprietary NHL prediction model. Our editorial team reviews the resulting content for accuracy and presentation before publication.