DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Red Wings ended their six-game losing streak with a decisive 7-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on March 12, 2025. Star forward Patrick Kane was at the forefront, contributing two goals and three assists, marking his first five-point game since January 20, 2019. This victory not only lifts the spirits of the Red Wings but also brings them back within the fight for the elusive playoff spot after eight consecutive seasons without postseason appearances.
Marco Kasper showcased his scoring skills by netting two goals, complementing the efforts from Moritz Seider, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Alex DeBrincat, who also found the back of the net during the match. DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin each contributed three assists, making it a well-rounded offensive effort for the Red Wings. Petr Mrazek, recently reacquired from Chicago, made 23 saves, delivering solid performance during his first start back with the team.
Despite their loss, the Sabres saw some positives as Josh Norris scored his first goal since being traded to Buffalo, with additional contributions from Zach Benson and Tage Thompson, who continues his hot streak against Detroit with 21 points across his past 13 games against them.
The victory came as welcome news not just to the players but also to the fans, marking the end of what had become quite the worrying trend. "There’s relief," expressed Red Wings coach Todd McLellan after the game. "Obviously, the losing streak’s over." But the pressure isn’t going anywhere, as the Red Wings find themselves amid the tight race for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
With 17 games yet to play and the toughest remaining schedule in the NHL, the Red Wings need to build on this encouraging win. The average points percentage of their upcoming opponents is .599, the highest league-wide, and they have several challenging matchups against playoff-bound teams. Their schedule includes pivotal games against the Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, and Washington Capitals.
The game wasn’t without its drama, particularly during the chaotic third period. Both teams exchanged blows, with Alex Tuch and Detroit captain Michael Rasmussen being the first to drop the gloves. The final period recorded 136 of the game’s total 150 penalty minutes, dominated by roughing and misconduct calls. All but two penalties were handed out during this final frame, leading to significant skirmishes and leave many players ejected.
"There was a lot of emotion out there," remarked Thompson reflecting on the heated exchanges. "And we had frustration with how things had gone during the game." This was evident as tempers flared on the ice, leading to several players receiving misconduct penalties and some immediate ejections.
Overall, the performance of Kane was outstanding, reminding fans of his prolific scoring ability. This marks his fourth five-point night of his illustrious career and his first since he contributed to the Chicago Blackhawks' win over Washington years ago. With the Red Wings now regaining momentum, the focus shifts to maintaining this form moving forward and ensuring their place among playoff contenders.
Looking forward, the Red Wings are aiming for consistency as they continue their battle for postseason qualification. While they were expected to win this game against the last-place Sabres, maintaining this level of performance will be key, particularly against tougher competition. After this win, their schedule poses significant challenges ahead, making the necessity of points even more urgent.
The next game is against the Carolina Hurricanes, where the Red Wings hope to build on their newfound momentum. For the Sabres, who currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the upcoming matchup with Vegas will be pivotal in shaping the coming weeks of their season.
This game marked not only a much-needed victory for the Red Wings but also served as a unifying moment for the squad as they press on through the season.