The Detroit Red Wings' playoff hopes hang by a thread as they welcome the Buffalo Sabres to Little Caesars Arena, with both teams desperate to snap out of their recent slumps.
While Detroit's once-promising season has unraveled with six straight losses and an anemic offense mustering just six goals in their last four games, the Sabres bring their dynamic duo of Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka, who've combined for an impressive 52 goals this season.
The Red Wings look to leverage home ice advantage against a Sabres team that's managed just three wins in their last ten outings, setting up what could be a make-or-break moment for Detroit's postseason aspirations.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Detroit Red Wings vs Buffalo Sabres matchup, our predictive model gives the Sabres a 67.5% chance of defeating the Wings.
Pre-game probabilities
Buffalo Sabres
Moneyline
Win %
67.5%
32.5%
Detroit Red Wings
Buffalo Sabres: 67.5% win probability
- Superior offensive output (199 goals scored vs Detroit's 182)
- Better goal differential in recent games (WLLLL vs Detroit's LLLLL)
- Higher scoring efficiency (3.16 goals per game vs Detroit's 2.84)
Detroit Red Wings: 32.5% win probability
- Current five-game losing streak (LLLLL in recent form)
- Poor defensive record (204 goals against, ranking 12th in conference)
- Lower points total (66 points in 64 games vs Buffalo's potential pace)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts..
| Detroit Red Wings | Buffalo Sabres | |
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Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres preview
The struggling Buffalo Sabres head to Little Caesars Arena to face a Detroit Red Wings team that's hit a serious rough patch, with both clubs desperate to turn their seasons around.
Buffalo's dynamic duo of Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka have been lighting it up with a combined 52 goals, but their defensive woes continue to overshadow any offensive success.
The Red Wings, who've dropped six straight and fallen out of playoff contention, can't seem to find their scoring touch lately - putting up just six goals in their last four games despite Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond's best efforts.
Keep an eye on Sabres' defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who's been a bright spot on an otherwise shaky blue line, while Detroit's Moritz Seider looks to shore up a defense that's leaked 23 goals in their last six outings.
The goaltending battle features two netminders searching for consistency - Buffalo's Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Detroit's Cam Talbot both sport save percentages hovering around the .900 mark.
This matchup at the Little Caesars Arena has all the makings of a high-scoring affair, given both teams' defensive struggles and Buffalo's knack for creating chances off the rush.
With the Sabres averaging over three goals per game and Detroit's recent defensive collapse, don't be surprised if this one turns into a back-and-forth shootout.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres form
Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres head to head
Detroit Red Wings
67%
Buffalo Sabres
33%
Dec 10, 2024
Buffalo Sabres
5 : 6
Detroit Red Wings
Nov 2, 2024
Detroit Red Wings
2 : 1
Buffalo Sabres
Oct 26, 2024
Buffalo Sabres
5 : 3
Detroit Red Wings
Sep 30, 2024
Buffalo Sabres
4 : 3
Detroit Red Wings
Apr 7, 2024
Detroit Red Wings
3 : 1
Buffalo Sabres
Mar 16, 2024
Detroit Red Wings
4 : 1
Buffalo Sabres
