As the Buffalo Sabres gear up to face the Detroit Red Wings tonight at the KeyBank Center, the stakes are high for both teams looking to snap their winless streaks. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 p.m., with coverage on MSG and ESPN+ for out-of-market fans.
This Atlantic Division clash will mark the third meeting between the teams this season, with Buffalo aiming to regain momentum after a tough stretch. Here’s everything you need to know heading into the game.
Sabres’ Struggles and Keys to Success
Buffalo (11-13-3) enters this game riding a six-game losing streak, most recently falling 5-2 to Utah. Despite bright moments in their performances, lapses in execution and costly mistakes have plagued the Sabres. Notably, they have been outscored 8-0 in second periods during this stretch, a glaring issue that head coach Lindy Ruff has emphasized addressing.
The Sabres have found early success in games, boasting an 8-2 first-period scoring advantage in the past six contests. However, sustaining momentum through the middle frame remains a critical focus.
Buffalo’s power play has been in a 1-for-22 slump over the last nine games, which has contributed to their scoring struggles. Ruff has juggled lines during recent practices, seeking combinations that can reignite offensive production.
Defensive Adjustments and Injury Updates
The Sabres will once again be without star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who is sidelined with back spasms. Ryan Johnson, recalled from Rochester, is expected to play alongside Bowen Byram as Buffalo looks for defensive stability. Johnson, praised for his skating and puck-moving ability, offers promise but is still developing in his defensive zone play.
On the injury front, Jordan Greenway (middle body) may return to the lineup tonight after participating in the morning skate. His return would bolster Buffalo’s penalty kill, which ranks 6th in the NHL. Mattias Samuelsson, however, remains out with a lower-body injury.
Goaltender James Reimer is expected to get the start, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen struggling in recent outings. Reimer will face a Red Wings team ranked 29th in goals per game (2.48), providing an opportunity for the Sabres to rebound.
Spotlight on the Fourth Line
A silver lining for Buffalo during their skid has been the emergence of their fourth line. Rookie center Tyson Kozak, flanked by Beck Malenstyn and Nicolas Aube-Kubel, has brought energy and physicality. The trio has excelled in limited minutes, generating scoring chances and maintaining strong defensive metrics at 5-on-5.
This line’s ability to maintain possession and create opportunities will be pivotal as Buffalo looks to generate offense across all four lines.
Detroit’s Outlook: Searching for Consistency
The Red Wings (10-13-4) are also in the midst of a five-game losing streak, most recently falling 2-1 to Colorado. Despite their struggles, Detroit has been competitive, with each loss decided by a single goal.
Forward Lucas Raymond leads the Red Wings in scoring with 27 points, while captain Dylan Larkin has contributed 12 goals. However, injuries to goaltenders Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon leave Detroit relying on Ville Husso or Sebastian Cossa. Husso, who has a subpar .884 save percentage, is expected to start.
Special teams have been a mixed bag for Detroit, with their power play ranking 7th in the league but their penalty kill sitting at 31st. This imbalance could play a significant role in tonight’s matchup.
Season Series Recap
The Sabres and Red Wings have split their first two meetings of the season. Buffalo secured a 5-3 home victory on October 26, while Detroit answered with a 2-1 win on November 2. Buffalo has had the edge in possession metrics, including a 57% share of shot attempts at 5-on-5 across both games.
Tonight’s game is crucial for both teams as they battle to climb the Atlantic Division standings.
Projected Lineups for Today’s Game – Courtesy of NHL.com
Red Wings projected lineup
Alex DeBrincat — Dylan Larkin — Lucas Raymond
Andrew Copp — J.T. Compher — Vladimir Tarasenko
Michael Rasmussen — Marco Kasper — Patrick Kane
Jonatan Berggren — Joe Veleno — Tyler Motte
Simon Edvinsson — Moritz Seider
Scratched: Albert Johansson, Christian Fischer
Injured: Cam Talbot (lower body), Alex Lyon (lower body)
Sabres projected lineup
Peyton Krebs — Tage Thompson — Alex Tuch
Zach Benson — Ryan McLeod — Jason Zucker
Jordan Greenway — Jiri Kulich — Dylan Cozens
Beck Malenstyn — Tyson Kozak — Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Scratched: JJ Peterka, Jack Quinn, Dennis Gilbert
Injured: Rasmus Dahlin (back spasms), Sam Lafferty (lower body) Mattias Samuelsson (lower body)
What’s at Stake?
A win tonight would not only snap Buffalo’s losing streak but also keep them within striking distance of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. For Detroit, it’s an opportunity to climb out of the Atlantic Division’s basement and build confidence in a tightly contested season.
Stay tuned for updates during warmups and don’t miss puck drop at 7:08 p.m.