The NHL is filled with exciting matchups and rivalries, and one that often flies under the radar is the matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Both teams are part of the Eastern Conference and play in the Atlantic and Metropolitan Divisions, respectively. In this post, we will explore the history, playing styles, key players, and anticipation for the Buffalo vs. Columbus NHL matchup.
15 APRIL 2023
TIME: 07:30 PM ET
History of the Rivalry:
The rivalry between the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets is relatively new, as the Blue Jackets joined the league as an expansion team in the 2000-2001 season. The Sabres, on the other hand, have a longer history, having been established in 1970. Despite being from different divisions, the Sabres and Blue Jackets have had some memorable matchups over the years, leading to the development of a competitive rivalry.
Playing Styles:
The Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets have distinct playing styles on the ice. The Sabres are known for their speed and skill, with an emphasis on offensive creativity and puck possession. They have a young core of talented players, such as Jack Eichel, Rasmus Dahlin, and Victor Olofsson, who can generate scoring chances and contribute to the team’s offensive output.
On the other hand, the Blue Jackets are known for their physicality and defensive structure. They prioritize defensive responsibility, shot-blocking, and disciplined play in their defensive zone. The Blue Jackets have a strong blue line, led by players like Seth Jones and Zach Werenski, who can shut down opponents and provide offensive contributions as well. They also have reliable goaltending, with Elvis Merzlikins and Joonas Korpisalo providing a solid presence between the pipes.
Key Players:
Both the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets have key players who are expected to make an impact in their matchups. For the Sabres, Jack Eichel stands out as their captain and a key player in their lineup. Eichel is a highly skilled forward known for his speed, skill, and scoring ability. He has been a consistent point producer for the Sabres and a driving force in their offensive attack. However, there have been recent discussions and trade rumors surrounding Eichel’s future with the Sabres, adding an interesting subplot to the rivalry.
Another key player for the Sabres is goaltender Linus Ullmark, who has been solid between the pipes for Buffalo. Ullmark has shown the ability to steal games and provide stability in net, giving the Sabres a chance to win games even when they are outmatched in other areas of the ice.
For the Columbus Blue Jackets, Seth Jones stands out as their top defenseman and a key player on the blue line. Jones is a talented two-way defenseman known for his offensive contributions, defensive prowess, and leadership. He logs significant ice time and plays in all situations, making him a crucial player for the Blue Jackets.
Additionally, Pierre-Luc Dubois, the talented forward who was traded from Columbus to Winnipeg during the 2020-2021 season, was originally drafted by the Blue Jackets and played a significant role in their lineup. Dubois was known for his skill, physicality, and ability to generate scoring chances, and his departure from Columbus has created a void that the Blue Jackets will need to fill in their lineup.
Anticipation for Future Matchups:
As the Sabres and Blue Jackets continue to build their rosters and develop their young talent, the anticipation for their future matchups is high. Both teams are in a competitive rebuild phase, aiming to make the playoffs and contend for the Stanley Cup in the near future. With young stars like Jack Eichel for the Sabres and Seth Jones for the Blue Jackets, the potential for exciting and competitive games between these teams.