NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Detroit Red Wings vs Buffalo Sabres Preview
The Detroit Red Wings continue their red-hot start to the 2025–26 NHL season as they visit the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night at KeyBank Center. The puck drops at 7:30 PM ET, airing live on TNT.
Detroit’s 5–1–0 start has them soaring to the top of the Atlantic Division under head coach Todd McLellan, while Buffalo (2–4–0) looks to regain consistency after a sluggish opening stretch. This matchup pits one of the NHL’s hottest captains — Dylan Larkin — against a Sabres team that’s still searching for its identity.
Dominate the Sportsbook with Proven Picks
All Sports, One Winning Strategy
Line Movement and Odds
The Sabres opened as slight home favorites, but money has leaned toward Detroit after their fifth consecutive victory.
Current Odds:
- Detroit Red Wings Moneyline: -103
- Buffalo Sabres Moneyline: -117
- Puck Line: Detroit -1.5 (+261) / Buffalo +1.5 (-204)
- Total: Over/Under 6.0 (Over -114 / Under -107)
The total has hovered around 6.0, signaling confidence that both teams’ offenses can create opportunities — especially with Detroit’s pace and Buffalo’s up-tempo style at home.
Matchup Breakdown
The Red Wings
Detroit is firing on all cylinders — five straight wins and one of the league’s most balanced scoring attacks. Captain Dylan Larkin has been nothing short of elite, earning NHL First Star of the Week honors after a nine-point explosion (4 goals, 5 assists) and a +7 rating. His six-game point streak ties him with franchise legends Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman for consecutive season-opening scoring runs.
Even without Patrick Kane (upper body), Detroit’s depth has shined. Rookie Emmitt Finnie registered two goals and an assist against Edmonton, while Lucas Raymond and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard have been active in the offensive zone. The Red Wings rank 7th in goals scored and 11th in assists, displaying the chemistry and speed that have defined their early-season dominance.
Defensively, Cam Talbot has been steady in net (3–1 record), and Detroit’s blue line is tightening gaps — allowing just eight goals in their last four games.
| Detroit Red Wings Injury Report | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Shai Buium (D) | Out | Undisclosed |
| Nate Danielson (C) | Out | Undisclosed |
| Patrick Kane (RW) | Out | Upper Body |
The Sabres
For Buffalo, the formula is simple — rediscover the offensive firepower that produced an 8–4 win over Ottawa earlier this month. Despite a recent 4–2 loss to Montreal, the Sabres have the tools to compete if they can finish scoring chances.
Zach Benson has been a bright spot, recording six assists in three games, joining Jack Eichel and Thomas Vanek in franchise history for that feat. Meanwhile, Jiri Kulich and Josh Doan have offered secondary scoring threats.
Head coach Lindy Ruff has emphasized physicality, and it’s showing: Buffalo ranks 16th in hits (133). Defensively, Rasmus Dahlin continues to anchor the unit, while Alex Lyon has made 183 saves, providing stability in goal despite limited support.
If Buffalo can dictate tempo early and exploit Kane’s absence for Detroit, they’ll have a legitimate shot at ending the Red Wings’ winning streak.
| Buffalo Sabres Injury Report | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob Bryson (D) | Questionable | Concussion |
| Justin Danforth (RW) | Out | Lower Body |
| Jordan Greenway (LW) | Out | Mid-Body |
| Michael Kesselring (D) | Out | Undisclosed |
| Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (G) | Out | Lower Body |
| Beck Malenstyn (LW) | Out | Personal |
| Carson Meyer (RW) | Out | Knee |
| Josh Norris (C) | Out | Upper Body |
Betting Trends
- Detroit Red Wings are 4–0 straight up as underdogs this season.
- Buffalo Sabres are 2–4 straight up in all games.
- Detroit has gone 2–1 ATS (66.7%) on the puck line in their last three.
- Buffalo has also covered the puck line in 2 of their last 3 games.
- Detroit has hit the under in three straight games (0–3).
- Buffalo has gone under in five of their last six (1–5).
Unlock 5,000+ Winning Picks Every Season
Bet Smarter, Across Every League
Prediction and Analysis
The Red Wings are playing with confidence, structure, and scoring balance. Even with Kane sidelined, Larkin has elevated his play to MVP form — embodying everything a captain should be. Buffalo, meanwhile, remains unpredictable: flashes of creativity but limited finish and defensive lapses have cost them late in games.
Expect Detroit’s chemistry and special teams to tilt this matchup. Buffalo’s energy at home should keep it close early, but the Red Wings’ poise and finishing power are likely to carry them to a sixth straight win.
- Projected Score: Detroit 4, Buffalo 2
- Best Bet: Detroit Moneyline (-103)
- Over/Under Lean: Under 6.0 (-107)
- Player Prop: Dylan Larkin Anytime Goal (+165)
Betting Insight
Want expert breakdowns for every NHL matchup? Check out our full NHL picks and predictions section.
You can also explore all NHL team stats and rosters, follow the latest NHL odds and betting lines, and get sharper with our expert NHL betting guide.
For those tracking betting performance and handicapping records across sports, check the Handicapper Leaderboard — updated daily on ScoresAndStats for the sharpest NHL action around.
