Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets 4/14/2023 Previews, Predictions and Picks
In Nationwide Arena on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 7:30 PM ET, the Columbus Blue Jackets will take on the Buffalo Sabres in NHL action. Despite falling short of the playoffs, the Sabres had a remarkable season, posting a 41-22-7 record going into their final game. They won eight of their last eleven games, showing a strong finish to the season. In their last home game of the season, the Sabres defeated the Senators 4-3 in overtime. The team outperformed the Senators, generating 36 shots on goal compared to Ottawa’s 33, and had an expected goal rate of 3.25 to 2.38.
The Sabres’ offense, which features many young talents, was impressive this season. They ranked fourth in the NHL in goals scored per game, averaging 3.55 on 32.4 shots per game. Additionally, they produced the tenth-most predicted goals per 60 minutes (3.34) and the fourteenth-fewest high-danger shots in the league. Buffalo also has the NHL’s seventh-best power play, scoring 23.5% of their opportunities. Rasmus Dahlin leads the Sabres in assists with 58, while Tage Thompson has recorded 94 points and 47 goals for the team this year.
- The total went OVER in 5 of Buffalo’s last 5 games on the road against Columbus.
- The Sabres are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
- The total hung OVER in 6 of Buffalo’s last 9 games with an opponent in the Metropolitan Division.
Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets 4/14/2023 Previews, Predictions and Picks
As the Columbus Blue Jackets prepare to face off against the Buffalo Sabres in their final game of the season, they can’t help but feel disappointed with their performance this year. With a lacklustre record of 25-47-9, the team is one of the worst in the NHL and in contention for a high draft pick. However, they managed to secure a much-needed win on Friday night, beating the Penguins 3-2 in overtime thanks to a game-winning goal from Johnny Gaudreau. Despite being outplayed and outshot, the Blue Jackets dug deep to snap a four-game losing streak.
Offensively, the Blue Jackets struggled this season, ranking third to last in the NHL with just 2.54 goals per game on average, despite taking an average of 29.2 shots per game. Their predicted goals per 60 minutes (2.82) and high-danger shots were also among the lowest in the league. The team’s power play has also been a weak spot, converting on just 18.3% of their opportunities, ranking ninth worst in the NHL. Boone Jenner led the team in scoring with 26 goals, while Johnny Gaudreau recorded an impressive 73 points and 53 assists this season.
- Columbus is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
- The Blue Jackets are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games against an opponent in the Atlantic Division.
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus’ last 6 home games played on a Friday.
Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets. The MLB pick for this game is the Buffalo Sabres. In this matchup, the Sabres appear to be the stronger team, particularly on the offensive end, and are expected to end their best season since 2011 with a victory over the Blue Jackets. The Sabres have been impressive this season, boasting one of the top offenses in the league, producing the tenth-highest number of anticipated goals and ranking fourth in total goals scored. In contrast, the Blue Jackets have struggled to generate high-quality scoring chances, producing the third-lowest number of high-danger shots and the eighth-fewest projected goals in the NHL. Given these factors, the Sabres will emerge victorious with a score of 6-4.
NHL Starting Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: Nationwide Arena, OH
Date: Friday, April 14, 2023
TV: ESP+
NHL Odds: Buffalo Sabres -170
NHL Totals: 7
