Home / Sports / Blue Jackets Face Sabres in Season Opener
Blue Jackets Face Sabres in Season Opener
1 Oct
Summary
- Columbus Blue Jackets begin their 2026-27 season tonight.
- The team has lost its last four season openers.
- Adam Fantilli signed a six-year contract recently.
The Columbus Blue Jackets will open their 2026-27 NHL season tonight at Nationwide Arena against the Buffalo Sabres. This marks the beginning of a new campaign where the Blue Jackets will aim to break a streak of four consecutive season-opening losses. Their last home victory to start a season was in 2021.
Recent team performance indicates potential for a strong home game, as Columbus has won the last three matchups against Buffalo at Nationwide Arena. Furthermore, the Blue Jackets have a strong penalty-killing record against the Sabres, having not conceded a power-play goal in their last eight encounters.
Key player Adam Fantilli recently signed a six-year contract with the team and was a significant scorer last season. Defenseman Zach Werenski had a standout 2025-26 season, earning the James Norris Trophy and being named to the First All-Star Team. The game is scheduled for 7 PM and will be broadcast on The Blue Jackets Hockey Network and 97.1 The Fan.
