Buffalo (25-32-6) at Detroit (30-28-6)
- When: Mar 12 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI, USA
- TV: TNT
NHL Betting Preview: Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres
Moneyline: Detroit -142 | Total: 6.5
Detroit Red Wings Outlook
The Detroit Red Wings are in desperation mode as they try to snap a six-game losing streak when they host the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night. The Red Wings have fallen down the Eastern Conference standings, with their recent struggles largely due to offensive inefficiency despite creating plenty of opportunities.
In Monday’s 2-1 loss to Ottawa, Detroit peppered Linus Ullmark with 49 shots on goal, only managing to sneak one past him. Lucas Raymond actually scored a second goal, but it came one second after the final buzzer, nullifying the tally.
“We should have put the puck in the net a long time before that,” said Raymond. “He’s a great goalie, but we had plenty of looks. We have to execute better.”
Head coach Todd McLellan acknowledged that while the effort was there, execution has been the missing piece.
“We played a good, hard game,” McLellan said. “If we keep playing like this, the wins will come.”
The biggest concern for Detroit has been lack of goal production, as they’ve scored two or fewer goals in five of their last six losses. That’s a major issue for a team that needs to stay competitive in the playoff race.
Betting Trends & Predictions – Detroit
Red Wings are 10-5 in their last 15 home games
The Under is 4-1 in Detroit’s last five home games
Detroit has won five of the last seven meetings vs. Buffalo
Buffalo Sabres Outlook
While Detroit is struggling, the Buffalo Sabres finally snapped a six-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over Edmonton on Monday. Buffalo leaned on Tage Thompson, who stepped up with two goals, including the game-winner in the third period.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was solid in net, stopping 32 shots, helping the Sabres claim their first victory since February 25.
“He made some big saves to keep us in it and allowed us to settle down,” Thompson said. “Once we got our game going, we were fine.”
Buffalo has already beaten Detroit once this season, securing a 5-3 victory on October 26, with Thompson scoring twice. However, the Red Wings evened the season series with a 6-5 shootout win in Buffalo on December 9.
A key addition for the Sabres has been Josh Norris, acquired from Ottawa at the trade deadline. Norris assisted on Thompson’s game-winner and is expected to play a significant role in Buffalo’s top lines moving forward.
“We see Norris as a top-line center who can contribute offensively while also matching up against elite players,” head coach Lindy Ruff said.
Betting Trends & Predictions – Buffalo
Sabres are 7-3 in their last 10 road games
Buffalo is 5-2 in its last seven games as an underdog
The Over has hit in four of the last six meetings between these teams
Betting Prediction
Detroit has home-ice advantage, but their offensive struggles are concerning, especially against a Buffalo team gaining momentum after a big win. The Sabres have had success against Detroit in recent matchups, and if Tage Thompson stays hot, Buffalo could steal another one on the road.
Best Bet: Buffalo ML (+122) – The Sabres are getting back on track, and Detroit’s inability to finish chances makes them vulnerable.
Total Lean: Over 6.5 (-105) – Both teams have been part of high-scoring matchups, and Detroit will be aggressive to end their losing streak.
Expect a close battle, but with Buffalo’s offense waking up and Detroit struggling to capitalize, the Sabres have value as road underdogs.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
