The Sabres led 2-0 in the first period and finished the night with 41 shots, their second-highest total this season. Columbus scored three unanswered goals – the first of which came with 8.1 seconds left in the opening period – and received 39 saves from goaltender Jet Greaves.

The Sabres' five-game win streak ended, and they failed to reach .500 for the first time since Dec. 3. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, staved off elimination and improved to 36-33-9.