Columbus is in circle-the-wagons mode after dropping the first two games of their homestand. Those defeats have come to the Kings and Lightning. Those two teams are a combined 15-2-2.

Now the Blue Jackets are dropping way down in class hosting the Sabres, who are a bit fat and happy having won two in a row. This includes a 1-0 victory against the Red Wings at home last night. It's the first time the Sabres have won two in a row this season.

Even with those two wins, Buffalo still is just 9-23 in its past 32 games.

The Blue Jackets last played on Saturday. They will be well rested and prepared. Columbus has won the past eight times it has played on three or more days rest.