Photo: Joe Hrycych / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
The Thursday NHL slate features the Buffalo Sabres (48-23-8) hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets (39-27-12) at KeyBank Center, starting at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The Sabres rank second in the Eastern Conference with 104 points and the Blue Jackets are ninth in the Eastern Conference with 90 points.
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Blue Jackets vs. Sabres: April 9 Viewing Options
- Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- How to watch on TV: ESPN+
- Location: Buffalo, New York
- Venue: KeyBank Center
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
Sabres' 2025-26 Stats
| Stat | Per-Game Average | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 3.42 | 7th |
| Goals Allowed | 2.99 | 11th |
| Shots | 28.2 | 11th |
| Shots Allowed | 29 | 22nd |
| Power Play % | 20.08% | 18th |
| Penalty Kill % | 81.36% | 9th |
Blue Jackets' 2025-26 Stats
| Stat | Per-Game Average | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 3.05 | 17th |
| Goals Allowed | 3.06 | 16th |
| Shots | 29 | 7th |
| Shots Allowed | 29 | 22nd |
| Power Play % | 19.68% | 19th |
| Penalty Kill % | 76.17% | 27th |
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Blue Jackets vs. Sabres Top Players
Sabres
- A productive offensive player this season for Buffalo, Tage Thompson has recorded 79 points.
- Rasmus Dahlin is another of Buffalo's major contributors currently with 71 total points (18 goals and 53 assists) to his name.
- With 62 points through 76 games (30 goals and 32 assists), Alex Tuch has been an important part of Buffalo's offensive attack this season.
- As Buffalo's top goalie, Alex Lyon has recorded 20 wins and 10 losses this season while giving up 92 goals with 885 saves.
Blue Jackets
- Zachary Werenski's 80 points make him an important offensive option for Columbus. He has put up 22 goals and 58 assists in 71 games.
- Kirill Marchenko is a key piece of the offense for Columbus with 65 total points this season. He has scored 26 goals and added 39 assists in 72 games.
- Adam Fantilli has 56 points so far, including 23 goals and 33 assists.
- Jet Greaves is 25-16-9 on the season, allowing 131 goals (2.6 goals against average) and amassing 1,308 saves with a .910 save percentage (seventh-best in the league).
Blue Jackets vs. Sabres Injury Report
Sabres
Justin Danforth: Out (Lower Body),
Noah Ostlund: Day-To-Day (Upper Body),
Alex Lyon: Day-To-Day (Lower Body),
Jiri Kulich: Out For Season (Ear),
Sam Carrick: Out (Arm)
Blue Jackets
Brendan Smith: Out (Knee),
Dmitri Voronkov: Out (Hand),
Mathieu Olivier: Out (Upper Body),
Damon Severson: Out For Season (Shoulder)
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Sabres' Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Score | Home/Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4/2026 | Capitals | L 6-2 | Away |
| 4/6/2026 | Lightning | W 4-2 | Home |
| 4/8/2026 | Rangers | W 5-3 | Away |
| 4/9/2026 | Blue Jackets | - | Home |
| 4/13/2026 | Blackhawks | - | Away |
| 4/15/2026 | Stars | - | Home |
Blue Jackets' Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Score | Home/Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/2/2026 | Hurricanes | L 5-1 | Away |
| 4/4/2026 | Jets | L 2-1 | Home |
| 4/7/2026 | Red Wings | W 4-3 | Away |
| 4/9/2026 | Sabres | - | Away |
| 4/11/2026 | Canadiens | - | Away |
| 4/12/2026 | Bruins | - | Home |
| 4/14/2026 | Capitals | - | Home |