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.

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 vs. Buffalo Sabres odds

Here are the latest odds for this NHL matchup as the Detroit Red Wings host the Buffalo Sabres at home on Wednesday, March 12.

Detroit Red WingsBuffalo Sabres
Moneyline-134 (via FanDuel Sportsbook)+120 (via bet365 US)

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.

Key stats

  • 1
    Detroit Red Wings sit 12th in Eastern Conference with 66 points, while Buffalo holds 16th position with 56 points
  • 2
    Red Wings have lost their last 5 games (LLLLL), Sabres show slightly better form with 1 win in last 5 (WLLLL)
  • 3
    Buffalo has scored more goals (199) than Detroit (182) despite playing one fewer game
  • 4
    Both teams struggle defensively - Detroit conceding 204 goals and Buffalo allowing 220 goals this season

Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres form

Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
Latest matches
L
L
L
L
L
Victories
0/5 (0%)
Draws
0/5 (0%)
Defeats
5/5 (100%)
Mar 10, 2025
Ottawa Senators2:1Detroit Red Wings
Mar 8, 2025
Washington Capitals5:2Detroit Red Wings
Mar 7, 2025
Utah Hockey Club4:2Detroit Red Wings
Mar 5, 2025
Carolina Hurricanes2:1Detroit Red Wings
Mar 1, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets5:3Detroit Red Wings
Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
Latest matches
W
L
L
L
L
Victories
1/5 (20%)
Draws
0/5 (0%)
Defeats
4/5 (80%)
Mar 10, 2025
Edmonton Oilers2:3Buffalo Sabres
Mar 8, 2025
Florida Panthers4:0Buffalo Sabres
Mar 7, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning6:5Buffalo Sabres
Mar 5, 2025
San Jose Sharks6:2Buffalo Sabres
Mar 4, 2025
Montreal Canadiens4:3Buffalo Sabres

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