The Buffalo Sabres host the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center on Friday, Nov. 6, in a rematch of the teams’ season-opening meeting.
The game was scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern and is part of Buffalo’s annual Hockey Fights Cancer night, presented with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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Sabres seek response after opening-night loss
Buffalo enters the matchup at 7-5-3 after a 2-1 home loss to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday.
The Sabres had won three consecutive games before that setback.
Columbus arrives with a 7-7-0 record and momentum from wins over two Western Conference contenders.
The Blue Jackets defeated the Colorado Avalanche 7-2 on Tuesday before earning a 2-1 shootout victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday.
The Blue Jackets won the first meeting between the clubs 6-3 in Columbus on Oct. 1.
Matthew Knies led the way in his Columbus debut with three points, while Jet Greaves made 23 saves.
Friday’s game gives Buffalo an immediate opportunity to answer that result on home ice, while Columbus looks to continue a recent improvement against the Sabres.
The Blue Jackets have won three of the teams’ last four meetings.
Buffalo Sabres players to watch
Tage Thompson is one goal away from tying Miroslav Satan for eighth place on Buffalo’s all-time goals list at 224.
Thompson also has 11 career goals against Columbus, the most by any Sabres player.
Zach Benson enters the game with points in five straight contests, including two goals and six assists during that stretch.
His 12 assists lead Buffalo this season.
Peyton Krebs also carries a notable storyline after scoring against Ottawa on Wednesday.
The goal gave him eight points through 15 games, the highest total of his career at that stage of a season.
Colten Ellis has started three of Buffalo’s last four games and posted a .909 save percentage over that span.
The Sabres had not confirmed their starting goaltender in the team’s pre-game notes.
Columbus brings strong recent defensive form
The Blue Jackets have allowed only three goals across their last two victories.
Their recent defensive effort came against high-powered lineups featuring Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon and Dallas’ Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen.
Kent Johnson leads Columbus with 17 points this season, according to the Blue Jackets’ game preview.
He assisted on Zach Werenski’s tying goal against Dallas before scoring in the shootout.
Werenski, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, scored his first goal of the season in that game.
His performance gives Columbus another offensive threat from the back end.
Jet Greaves was the expected starter for Columbus after Cam Talbot played Thursday against Dallas.
Greaves stopped 23 shots in the Blue Jackets’ opening-night win over Buffalo.
Hockey Fights Cancer night at KeyBank Center
The Sabres’ Friday game also features the club’s annual Hockey Fights Cancer presentation.
The night honours people affected by cancer, including those undergoing treatment, cancer survivors and families remembering loved ones.
Fans attending the game were scheduled to receive a Hockey Fights Cancer scarf, while special memorabilia was made available through the team’s fundraising auction.
For Buffalo, the evening combines a community event with an important early-season test.
The Sabres are trying to regain momentum after Wednesday’s loss, while the Blue Jackets are attempting to build on consecutive wins before beginning another stretch of their schedule.
What comes next for both teams
Buffalo remains at home after Friday’s matchup and is scheduled to face the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday afternoon at KeyBank Center.
Columbus will return home for its next game against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
The teams are scheduled to meet again later in the season, giving Friday’s result added importance in an early race where both clubs are trying to establish their position in their respective divisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Sabres play the Blue Jackets?
The Buffalo Sabres hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at KeyBank Center.
What time was the Sabres and Blue Jackets game scheduled to start?
The game was scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern time.
Who won the first meeting between Buffalo and Columbus this season?
Columbus won the season-opening meeting 6-3 on Oct. 1.
Who leads the Sabres against the Blue Jackets historically in goals?
Tage Thompson has scored 11 career goals against Columbus, the most by any Sabres player.
What was special about the Nov. 6 game at KeyBank Center?
The matchup was Buffalo’s annual Hockey Fights Cancer night, presented with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, team records, recent results, player statistics, lineup notes and Hockey Fights Cancer details were checked against official NHL and team information.
Disclaimer: Starting goaltenders and line combinations can change before or during an NHL game.