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Red Wings Outpaced by Sabres in High-Scoring Affair at KeyBank Center

The Detroit Red Wings, with a record of 17-25, faced off against the Buffalo Sabres, who held a 7-25 record. The final score of the game was 7-3 in favor of the home team.


Mar 12, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA;  Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

In what turned out to be an offensive showcase for the Buffalo Sabres, they managed to secure a decisive victory over the visiting Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center. The Sabres' attack was relentless from the start, netting four goals in the first period and adding three more in the second. Their shooting accuracy was evident as they converted 18 percent of their shots into goals.


The Red Wings struggled to keep pace despite scoring once in each period and finishing with three goals on 24 shots for a shooting percentage of 12 percent. They were more physical than their opponents, delivering a total of 40 hits compared to Buffalo's 20 but couldn't translate that physicality into control over the game's tempo.


Mar 12, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA;  Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens (24) carries the puck up ice as Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jeff Petry (46) defends during the second period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit did find some success on special teams; they capitalized on one of their four powerplay opportunities thanks to their powerplay unit winning four out of six faceoffs during man advantages and maintaining a faceoff win percentage of 67 percent when up a player. However, this lone bright spot wasn't enough to overcome Buffalo's offensive surge.


On defense and between the pipes, it was a tough night for Detroit's goaltending which faced an onslaught from Buffalo’s offense that resulted in seven goals against from thirty-nine shots. Despite making thirty-two saves throughout sixty minutes on ice, it wasn’t sufficient as they ended up with a loss credited to them.


Mar 12, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA;  Detroit Red Wings goaltender James Reimer (47) looks to make a glove save during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead after this challenging outing at KeyBank Center where only fifteen thousand five hundred twenty-nine fans witnessed their team’s struggle; The Detroit Red Wings will return home to Little Caesars Arena where they are set to host Arizona Coyotes. This upcoming match is scheduled for March 14th at Little Caesars Arena located in Detroit, MI with fans able to catch all action live across various networks including ESPN+ online or BSDET and SCRIPPS on television starting at approximately six o'clock PM Eastern Time.

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