The Buffalo Sabres' season is quickly getting away from them as they have lost five straight, including three straight on the road. They won't be able to dig themselves out of the hole with one game, but a win against the Detroit Red Wings can be a huge step in the right direction.
One of the big things that the Sabres can accomplish against the Red Wings is getting a win on the road. Their record on the road is the worst in the league at 0-5-2 and they are the only team in the NHL that has yet to win a game on the road this season. It is one of the reasons that the Sabres find themselves in last place in the conference.
This is a matchup that the Sabres should have some confidence going into as they have already played the Detroit Red Wings this season in a game they won 4-2. They matched up well in that first meeting in a game where it was scoreless after the first period and tied after the second. However, the Sabres pulled away in the third with goals by Jack Quinn and Alex Tuch.
Buffalo Sabres need a full game from their top stars against the Red Wings
One other concerning trend over the last three games has been the lack of consistent production from their top players. With all the injuries, the Sabres moved Alex Tuch and Ryan McLeod up to play with Tage Thompson, and it has looked good in spurts. The concern is that this line has yet to play a good full 60 minutes of hockey.
In the game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Tuch and Thompson each had two points in the third period, but at that point, the Sabres were already down 4-1. The Sabres hoped that momentum could carry over into the game against Utah, but this line struggled across the board, and Alex Tuch noted it after the game.
The latest game was similar to Carolina as the Avalanche jumped out to an early lead before this top line found a rhythm and helped get the game close. However, the Avalanche would pull away and win 6-3.
The team can't afford a repeat of the game against Utah, especially from their top players, if they hope to secure the win. A win against Detroit won't guarantee they can completely turn the season around, but it will help build some momentum heading into a four-game home stand.