The Buffalo Sabres secured a decisive 5-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on September 22, with Noah Ostlund scoring twice and Owen Power adding three assists to lead the home team.
The Buffalo Sabres (1-1-0) defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets (1-1-0) by a final score of 5-1 in their preseason matchup played on September 22. The Sabres dominated the contest from start to finish, leveraging an explosive offensive display against a Columbus defense that was already dealing with significant personnel issues. The result gives Buffalo a strong early signal heading into the regular season, while Columbus faces immediate questions regarding roster depth and defensive stability.
Sabres Offensive Firepower
Noah Ostlund was the catalyst for Buffalo’s attack, recording two goals to lead all scorers in the game. His performance serves as an early validation of the franchise’s investment in the 22-year-old forward, who recently signed an eight-year, $52.8 million contract. Ostlund’s ability to capitalize on opportunities highlighted the offensive upside that Buffalo hopes to carry into the 2026-27 campaign.
Supporting Ostlund was defenseman Owen Power, who acted as the primary playmaker for the Sabres. Power finished with three assists and three total points, demonstrating his continued role as the central hub of Buffalo’s offense. His vision and distribution were instrumental in breaking down the Columbus defensive structure, allowing the Sabres to maintain pressure throughout the night. The combination of Ostlund’s finishing and Power’s setup work created a balanced attack that Columbus struggled to contain.
Blue Jackets Struggle with Depth
Columbus managed only one goal in the loss, with Corson Ceulemans providing the bright spot for the away team. Ceulemans tallied one goal and one assist, resulting in a single point on the night. Dmitri Voronkov also contributed offensively, recording one assist, but the lack of secondary scoring proved fatal against a disciplined Buffalo unit.
The Blue Jackets’ inability to generate consistent offense was compounded by severe injuries on the blue line. The team faced a significant absence of key defensive contributors, which likely impacted their overall structure and transition game. Despite these challenges, the coaching staff noted individual data points from players like Ceulemans and Voronkov as they prepare for upcoming matchups. However, the single-goal output underscores the urgent need for Columbus to resolve its roster deficiencies before the regular season begins.
Turning Point: Defensive Breakdowns
The decisive factor in the game was Columbus’s defensive vulnerability, exacerbated by a massive list of unavailable players. Six players were listed as out for the game, including Olen Zellweger, Mattias Samuelsson, Jason Zucker, Mikael Pyyhtia, Luca Del Bel Belluz, and Adam Fantilli. This depletion forced Columbus to rely on less experienced or untested combinations, which Buffalo exploited effectively. Ostlund’s two goals came during periods where Columbus failed to clear their zone or trap the neutral area, allowing Buffalo to control possession and create high-danger chances. The Sabres’ ability to punish these gaps turned what could have been a close preseason contest into a comfortable five-goal win.
What It Means for Both Teams
For Buffalo, the victory provides momentum but also highlights critical health concerns. With six players out, including defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (week-to-week with a lower-body injury) and veteran forward Jason Zucker (out after sports hernia surgery), the Sabres must navigate a challenging road trip against the Detroit Red Wings on September 24 without their full roster. The front office will need to assess how quickly depth players can step up to fill the void left by these absences.
For Columbus, the loss raises alarms about their readiness. The team returns home tonight, September 24, to host the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:00 PM ET. With the same six players sidelined, Columbus faces a daunting task against one of the league’s more established powers. Captain Zach Werenski has reiterated that his future with the franchise is tied to contending, and this performance adds pressure to prove the team belongs in the upper echelon of the Metropolitan Division. General manager steps, such as Cole Sillinger’s three-year, $13.875 million arbitration avoidance deal and Jet Greaves’ three-year, $15 million contract extension, suggest long-term commitment, but short-term results are needed to satisfy fans and management alike.
- Buffalo’s Investment Pays Off: Noah Ostlund’s two-goal performance validates the eight-year, $52.8 million contract signed earlier this offseason.
- Columbus Injury Crisis: Six key players, including Adam Fantilli and Mattias Samuelsson, are out, severely impacting both teams’ defensive capabilities.
- Power’s Playmaking: Owen Power recorded three assists, leading the Sabres in points and controlling the tempo of the game.
- Immediate Tests: Both teams face tough challenges on September 24, with Buffalo visiting Detroit and Columbus hosting Pittsburgh.
🎧 Listen daily to both teams
Beatline Sports covers every team, every day — new episodes each morning.