| Buffalo Sabres vs Detroit Red Wings | ||||
| Team | P1 | P2 | P3 | Total |
 Buffalo Sabres | 4 | 3 | 0 | 7 |
 Detroit Red Wings | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Current Status: Final | ||||
Score: Red Wings 3 | Sabres 7
Shots: DET 24 | BUF 39
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
- Tuch (Unassisted)
- Byram (Benson, Greenway)
- Benson (Greenway, Dahlin)
- Skinner (Benson, Cozens)
- Clifton (Thompson)
- Byram (Thompson, Girgensons)
- Peterka (Unassisted
Detroit Red Wings Goals:
- Chiarot (Raymond, Berggren)
- Raymond (Fabbri, Kane)
- Walman (Gostisbehere, Maatta)
Plus 1: Pure Domination
Right from the start, Buffalo controlled this game easily. They took their first lead a minute into the game with an Alex Tuch breakaway goal and never looked back. 11 skaters would contribute with points including multi-point nights from Benson, Greenway, Thompson and Byram. The Sabres took full advantage of a Detroit team that has now lost 6 straight games. Buffalo will have a chance on Saturday to further close the standings gap with the Red Wings.
Plus 2: BoHim Byram
Bowen Byram has fit right in with Buffalo and exceeded early expectations. He added two goals against Detroit to bring his point total to four points in three games as a Sabre. He became the first Sabres defenseman to score three goals in his first three games in franchise history. Beyond the points, he has been flying all over the ice. His passes are crisp, his skating flawless, and his puck poise impressive. The instant chemistry he’s found with Dahlin is fun to watch. He likely won’t continue the scoring pace of a first line forward, but there is so much to like about his game. The sky is the limit for the 22-year-old defenseman who may have found the perfect organization to showcase his skills.
Plus 3: Sending a Message
Everyone knows Buffalo’s history with opponents running their goalies. To try and generate offense, Detroit drove the net and became increasingly lackadaisical in avoiding Luukkonen. After a particularly bad drive to the net with no attempt to miss the goalie, someone had to respond. Zemgus Girgensons answered the call. With the same Red Wings skating about to drive the net, Girgensons cross checked him immediately to the ice. The Detroit skater went into the boards and Zemgus received a two-minute penalty. In a game well handled at that point, that was two minutes well worth it. The Red Wings largely stayed away from any questionable contact after that.
Final Thoughts
This was a statement win for a Buffalo team flirting with rejoining the playoff race. The offense clicked, the defense was solid, and UPL continued to be a quality backstop. The speed they played the game with was a sight to see. Detroit looked outmatched all game. Buffalo looks like they have found their stride, but whether it’s too late to save this season remains to be seen. However, this game was an excellent sign for the future.