The Buffalo Sabres begin their 2026-27 campaign on the road Thursday night when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.
Buffalo enters the season with high expectations after winning the Atlantic Division last season and recording its first playoff series victory in nearly two decades. Lindy Ruff’s team returns with a core led by Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, while Josh Norris and Josh Doan are among the additions expected to make an impact.
Columbus is also starting a new era under head coach Rick Bowness. The Blue Jackets narrowly missed the playoffs last season and will lean heavily on Zach Werenski, Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson as they begin their three-game home stand.
Watch Sabres vs. Blue Jackets for Free
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- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Venue: Nationwide Arena
- TV: Blue Jackets Hockey Network / MSG-B
- Live stream: ESPN Unlimited
- Free option: Free trial offers on Fubo and DIRECTV
For viewers looking for a free streaming option, Fubo offers a free trial that can provide access to the Sabres’ MSG broadcasts in the team’s broadcast territory.
DIRECTV is another option for eligible new subscribers, with its free trial providing access to ESPN Unlimited.
Sabres vs. Blue Jackets Game Overview
Tage Thompson is coming off an 81-point season in which he scored 40 goals and added 41 assists. Buffalo’s projected opening-night lineup has Thompson centering Josh Norris and Josh Doan. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is projected to start in goal after going 22-9-3 last season with a .909 save percentage.
Columbus will counter with Adam Fantilli between Matthew Knies and Kent Johnson. Werenski enters the season after recording 81 points, including 22 goals and 59 assists, in 75 games last season.
Buffalo is expected to have defenseman Mattias Samuelsson back after he returned to practice, while Olen Zellweger remains out for the opener. Columbus will be without Ivan Provorov, Dante Fabbro and Damon Severson on defense.
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