Both teams had some chances in the opening period. The Jackets got on the board first with the man advantage. Oliver Bjorkstrand unleashed a nice wrist shot with a screen in front of Chad Johnson.
Columbus looked like they had scored earlier in the period, but was waved off due to goalie interference. The Sabres were unable to beat Bobrovsky with a few chances including a late chance from Sam Reinhart off of a nice Kyle Okposo pass. The Sabres held a 13-10 lead in shots after the first 20 minutes.