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Detroit (5-1-0) at Buffalo (2-4-0)
- When: Oct 22 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- TV: TNT
Detroit vs Buffalo NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Buffalo -112
Spread: Buffalo -1.5 (+215)
Total: 6.0
Detroit Red Wings Betting Outlook
The Red Wings enter this matchup red-hot and riding a five-game winning streak that has fans believing this centennial season might actually lead to something special. Detroit’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, led by captain Dylan Larkin, who looks like he’s skating with rocket fuel.
Larkin, named the NHL’s First Star of the Week, has nine points over his last four games and a six-game point streak to start the year. He’s been everywhere, scoring, setting up teammates, killing penalties, and generally making life miserable for opposing defenses. Detroit’s bench boss Todd McLellan praised his captain’s toughness, especially since Larkin has been playing through minor injuries while still carrying the team.
Rookie forward Emmitt Finnie has also made his presence felt, notching two goals and an assist in Detroit’s last win. The only downside? Patrick Kane will miss his second straight game after an upper-body injury, forcing McLellan to juggle his top lines.
The Red Wings’ combination of speed, depth, and confidence makes them a dangerous underdog against a Sabres team that’s still finding its groove. Expect Detroit to keep pushing the pace and test Buffalo’s defensive structure early.
Player Prop Pick: Dylan Larkin Over 1.5 Points (+135) – Larkin has been unstoppable, posting multi-point nights in three of his last four. If Detroit’s offense clicks again, he’s almost certain to be involved.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Outlook
Buffalo returns home looking to bounce back from a 4-2 loss to Montreal that ended a short winning streak. The Sabres showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t finish enough chances, something they’ll need to fix quickly to keep pace in a stacked Atlantic Division.
Rookie forward Zach Benson continues to impress, picking up six assists in just three games, joining Jack Eichel and Thomas Vanek as the only Sabres to accomplish that feat in franchise history. He’s been a spark plug on the power play, creating chances with his vision and relentless forechecking.
Defensively, Buffalo’s young blue line remains a work in progress. Zach Metsa made his NHL debut and held his own, but the group as a whole has to tighten up around the crease. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been solid, yet the Sabres have been allowing too many high-danger looks.
Buffalo’s key to victory is controlling tempo and not letting Detroit dictate pace through neutral-zone rushes. If they can clean up turnovers and generate second-chance scoring, the Sabres have the edge at home.
Player Prop Pick: Zach Benson Over 0.5 Assists (+120) – Benson has been dishing the puck at an elite level for a rookie. Another helper seems likely given his recent chemistry with Jiri Kulich.
NHL Prediction and Final Score
This matchup pits Detroit’s momentum against Buffalo’s home-ice advantage. The Sabres have been inconsistent, while the Red Wings are buzzing with confidence and scoring depth. Expect a fast-paced game with plenty of offensive action on both sides.
Score Prediction: Red Wings 4, Sabres 3
Pick: Detroit (-112)
Total: Over 6.0 (-120)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
